Chester County Press 10-21-2015 Edition

Chester CountyPRESS

www.chestercounty.com

Covering Avon Grove, Chadds Ford, Kennett Square, Oxford, & Unionville Areas

Volume 149, No. 42

INSIDE

McLeod: Open space program important to East Nottingham’s future

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

West Chester & Chadds Ford Life

Courtesy photo

Shelley McLeod, a candidate for East Nottingham Township’s Board of Supervisors, is concerned about the future of the open space program. Voters will decide to either continue or eliminate the earnedincome tax in East Nottingham on Nov. 3.

Late heroics lead to Unionville’s 21-18 victory......................1B

60 Cents

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Shelley McLeod didn’t decide to seek a seat on the East Nottingham Township Board of Supervisors because of concerns about the future of the township’s open space program, but now, with the general election just a few weeks away, she finds herself talking to her neighbors in East Nottingham about that the open space program more than she talks about her own campaign.

“I’ve been concentrating on the open space program,” she explained in an interview last week.

McLeod earned both the Democratic and Republican nomination during the Primary, which puts her in

Kennett Township Board of Supervisors

a strong position for the upcoming election. On Nov. 3, she is one of three candidates, along with Democrat Gary Coates and Republican Joseph Herlihy, who will be vying for two seats on the Board of Supervisors. But East Nottingham voters will also be deciding the fate of the township’s open space program as a result of a 3-2 decision by the Board of Supervisors to put a referendum on the ballot.

“It’s going to be an interesting fall in East Nottingham Township,” McLeod said.

“We had some supervisors who haven’t supported the open space program. It is disappointing that this was made a political issue.”

The referendum will ask voters, “Do you favor

Scaring up a good time at Camp Spookynaw....6B

Kennett artists spotlighted at Oxford Arts Alliance..............7B

INDEX Calendar of Events......3B

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Ted Moxon

Whitney Hoffman

Ted Moxon: Campaigning on the need for another kind of voice

Whitney Hoffman: ‘It’s as much about communication as it is about radical transparency’

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Opinion........................8A

When he knocks on the doors of the people who live in Kennett Township during his campaign for township superviClassified....................8B sor, Ted Moxon has heard a lot of what he refers to as “Buyers’ Remorse.”

Some, not all, tell Moxon that they don’t see the transparency that was promised in the campaigns of Chairman Scudder Stevens and Supervisor Dr. Richard Leff. Some don’t appreci-

In the years prior to the election of Scudder Stevens and Dr. Richard Leff in 2012 and 2014, respectively, the Kennett Township Board of Supervisors board was made up of Robert Hammaker, Michael Elling and Alan Falcoff – three Republicans, a political tilt that regularly saw 3-0 votes and a one- sided influence that some in the township viewed as an uncompromising, political bulldozer.

Continued on Page 4A

Continued on Page 4A

Obituaries...................7A

Avon Grove School Board discusses moving to full-day kindergarten

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer A discussion about fullday kindergarten in the Avon Grove School District topped the agenda for the school board’s committee-of-thewhole meeting on Oct. 8.

Dr. Kalia Reynolds, the

district’s director of elementary teaching and learning, explained that moving to a full-day kindergarten program would have several benefits, perhaps most significantly the increased instructional time and learning opportunities for students.

According to Reynolds, teachers say that they feel rushed in the two and a half hours that are allotted now for kindergarten students.

Reynolds said that another educational benefit of offering full-day kindergarten is that the youngest students in the district would be better

prepared as they move on to the next grades because they would have a stronger foundation for early academic achievement. There would likely be a decrease in the number of students who would require some form of special education.

Continued on Page 2A

Parents express concerns about class sizes at Hillendale Elementary

By John Chambless Staff Writer

© 2007 The Chester County Press

Parents concerned about large class sizes at Hillendale Elementary School addressed the Unionville-Chadds Ford School Board at Monday night’s work session.

A small group of parents attended the meeting, which was filled beyond capacity by students from Unionville High School’s AP govern-

ment classes, who are required to attend a meeting as part of their class work.

Two women who are parents of students in the district pointed out that last year, the second grade classes at Hillendale were enrolled at the maximum of 24 students.

This year, those classes are at the third-grade maximum of 26 students per class. “We’re here because we believe that’s too much,” one parent

told the board. “We feel that our kids are at a disadvantage heading into their first experience with the PSSA tests. We recognize the logistical and financial challenges of adding another full-time teacher. But we are asking you to consider adding a third language arts teacher, and to re-examine class size guidelines going forward. There seems to be agreement from staff, administration and par-

Continued on Page 3A

Election 2015

Republican Ted Moxon and Democrat Whitney Hoffman have both declared their candidacies to occupy the seat soon to be left vacant by long-time Kennett Township Supervisor Robert Hammaker, in an election to be held on Nov. 3. Recently, the Chester County Press sat down with both, to get a glimpse inside their respective campaigns

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

the continued imposition of the earned income tax in the amount of onehalf of one percent by East Nottingham Township to be used for financing of open space acquisition, acquiring agricultural conservation easements, and acquiring recreation or historic lands?

For McLeod, the answer to that question is a firm “yes.”

She said that her primary objective is simply to educate residents about the issue before they go into the voting booth.

“A lot of people didn’t even know that it was on the ballot,” McLeod explained.

“We’ve had the program for so long. Taxpayers are being put in a position to either slightly increase the Earned

ents that this new language arts curriculum is much more challenging than the previous one. Our students would benefit from smaller group instruction.”

District superintendent John Sanville said, “We’ve got your research. We’ll have a conversation with the board, [director of curriculum] John Nolen and [Hillendale principal] Steve Continued on Page 5A

Kennett Square Borough Council may come up topsy-turvy

By Uncle Irvin According to a key Chester County Press source who does not wish to be identified, rumors are flying all over the Kennett Square Borough that two current Kennett Square Borough Council members are in the process of moving out of the borough and will no longer be eligible to serve on council.

Uncle Irvin has used information from this source before, and the source is credible. The source says that councilman Patrick Taylor has allegedly bought a new house and will be moving from the borough. Taylor’s term ends on Jan. 1, 2018.

Council member Lynn Sinclair is also said to be moving out of the Continued on Page 5A

Don’t skip the Sheriff In the Nov. 3 municipal election, there are a bunch of county offices besides the county commissioner’s race on the ballot.

These offices are largely ceremonial and provide a financial reward for political party faithfuls. Since the GOP controls Chester County, all county row office candidates are Republican, and stand to get elected or re-elected.

The office of the sheriff is often mistaken as a row office.

But in Chester County, the sheriff and deputies provide security in the courthouse, among other important law enforcement duties.

A professional sheriff and her or his staff are vital, as illustrated in the recent shooting of an armed intruder by a deputy sheriff who was Continued on Page 3A

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

Chester County Press

Local News Avon Grove Kindergarten...

Continued from Page 1A

Studies have shown that fullday kindergarten is helpful to English Language Learners.

The additional teaching time would be good for the district’s teachers because they would be able to increase the creative, dynamic learning, and play-based opportunities.

Expanding to full-day kindergarten would allow Avon Grove to offer a competitive program to attract students.

Presently, parents seek out full-day kindergarten pro-

grams at charter schools in the area. Avon Grove officials believe that they will be able to retain some of those students if they added a fullday program. This would help reduce Avon Grove’s expenses to charter schools.

“We want to have full-day kindergarten. It’s a highpriority initiative,” said Reynolds. “We want our students to be in Avon Grove and matriculate through each grade.”

Dr. Margaret Sharp, the district’s assistant superintendent, made a presentation to the committee- of-the-whole regarding several scenarios

for introducing full-day kindergarten in time for the 2016-2017 school year.

Sharp said that in order to analyze some of the enrollment projections, they looked at the maximum capacity for Penn London Elementary, and what the maximum capacity would be if the district brought in modular classrooms.

Sharp said that the district’s current kindergarten enrollment is 228. If the district relied on the classrooms that are available in Penn London Elementary, the building’s capacity is 264 if the maximum class size is kept at

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22 students. If the maximum class size for kindergarten is increased to 24 students, the maximum capacity is 288 students, giving the district the chance to add about 60 students.

If the district utilizes modular classrooms and limits the class size to 22 students, Avon Grove could accommodate 308 students. If the class size is increased to 24, the maximum capacity increases to 336 students, more than 100 students over the current enrollment.

Sharp said that the recommendation from the action committee is to keep the class size limit at 22 students.

Daniel Carsley, the district’s business administrator, outlined the financial impact that moving to a full-day program would have for the 2016-2017 school year.

For Option 1, which would utilize only the existing classrooms in Penn London Elementary, there would be a need for additional staffing, including six teachers, which would cost approximately $656,965. Add in the costs for materials for classrooms, furniture, technology, and other expenses, and the total costs for Option 1 is $722,619.

According to projections, the district would see enough students return from the charter schools to see a savings in tuition payments of $275,197. The net impact of Option 1 to the district would therefore be additional costs of approximately $447,422.

For Option 2, which would utilize modular classrooms, there would be a need for an increase in staffing of eight teachers, at a cost of $812,643. The modular classrooms themselves would cost about $1,307,875. Add in the expenses for technology and other materials, and the total costs is $2,192,083. There would be projected savings in charter school tuition of $707,648, making the final impact of Option 2 approximately $1,484,435.

Reynolds outlined a timeline to implement a full-day kindergarten program for the 2016-2017 school year, if that’s what district officials

decide to do. The district would develop a website for parents within the next few weeks. The district would also begin an analysis of full-day kindergarten participation in November. This would include a survey of residents to gauge their interest in enrolling their children in the full-day kindergarten program. Next, the district would develop a Frequently Asked Questions guide to share with parents and the community.

If district officials decide on Option 2, which would require the addition of modular classrooms, the district would need to retain a civil engineer and begin document preparation to meet the township’s regulations to get land-development approval in December or, at the latest, January. Carsley said that it takes about 90 days to get the necessary approvals and waivers from the township, and it would take another four months to construct the modular classrooms.

According to the timeline, district officials would visit full-day kindergarten programs in other districts in December and January, and conduct research on the instructional schedules in January of 2016. A series of parent informational forums would then be held from January to May of next year. Registration for the kindergarten program would be underway in May, and district officials would be working on staffing the fullday kindergarten program between April and July.

District officials will be gathering information about the potential impact of fullday kindergarten, starting immediately, and the next update could come as early as the November meeting of the committee-of-the-whole.

School board president Brian Gaerity noted that the research shows that full-day kindergarten is overwhelmingly beneficial for students.

Avon Grove officials have discussed the possibility of adding full-day kindergarten many times through the years, but the financial constraints have always prevented the district from doing so.

In Chester County, Kennett, Octorara, Coatesville, Phoenixville are the districts that currently offer full-day kindergarten to all students.

Superintendent Dr. Christopher Marchese said that district officials are carefully studying how the introduction of full-day kindergarten, and the potential addition of dozens of students, will impact the other schools in the district as these students would advance through the grades.

Several board members

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expressed their concerns about the difficulty of projecting how many students will be enrolled in the fullday kindergarten program.

“The challenge is, we can’t say ‘We’re only going to accept 300 kids when 310 kids show up,’” Marchese explained. “We’re a public school district. We don’t have a crystal ball. Enrollment projections are difficult.”

The complexity of the issue was evident as school board members and district officials exchanged thoughts.

Board member Herman Engle raised the interesting question of whether the motivation for the school district to add full-day kindergarten is to get students back from the charter school, or to provide the best education possible to Avon Grove students.

Gaerity talked about the importance of getting students off to a good start at an early age, noting that those students who are behind their peers in third grade typically have a difficult time equaling the academic achievement of their classmates in later grades. And those students who are behind in eighth grade typically struggle to measure up to their peers through the rest of their academic careers.

Gaerity asked a question about the overall educational experience that students would have if the district added modulars at Penn London Elementary.

Reynolds, who previously was the principal of an elementary school, said that youngsters usually have no issues with attending classes in modulars. It’s usually the parents who have a more difficult time with the idea of the modular classrooms.

Reynolds also pointed out that if modulars were utilized, the oldest students in Penn London Elementary would be assigned to the modular classrooms, while the youngest students would remain in the existing building.

There is a relatively tight deadline for district officials to decide to move forward with a full-day kindergarten program for the 2016-2017 school year, especially if they believe that modular classrooms would be a necessity.

That opens up the possibility that the full-day kindergarten program might not be introduced until September of 2017.

For now, district officials will be gathering information in a number of different areas. The next committeeof-the-whole meeting is scheduled for Nov. 12 at 6:30 p.m.

To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

Open Space...

Continued from Page 1A

Income Tax (EIT) now, or increase our school taxes by much more in the next few years.”

If voters reject the open space program, an unintended but likely consequence will be a significant increase in residential development.

According to McLeod, if the open-space tax is voted down, it will be like rolling out the red carpet for developers. There are already 506 houses on the books to be built in East Nottingham, and that’s with the open space program in place. Without the opportunity to preserve farmland, there could be many more parcels sold off to housing developers. That will result in additional students being placed in schools, at a minimum cost of $9,000 per student per year. Taxpayers in the Oxford Area School District will shoulder the burden of the tax increases that will be necessary.

“It’s about farm preservation, but it’s also a fiscal issue. Residents in the rest of the Oxford Area School District will be affected because it will increase school taxes for the entire school district,” McLeod explained, adding that the increase in students could necessitate a new school and costly additions to the current buildings—at the cost of tens of millions of dollars to the school district.

As the election approaches, McLeod said that she is still concerned that misinformation is being spread regarding the amount of acreage that could potentially be preserved in the township. There are rumors that there are no more acreage that would be eligible to be preserved. McLeod said that there are approximately 2,000 acres from parcels that are 20 or more acres each, which means that a lot of agricultural

land could be lost to development if the open space tax is eliminated. Without careful and intelligent planning, East Nottingham could experience another period of unchecked residential growth. McLeod is concerned that retired residents, in particular, will be hit hard by the ever-rising property taxes that would result, as well as the impact that this residential growth would have on the area.

“I grew up in Oxford Borough,” she explained. “I loved growing up here in the rural community that Oxford was.”

Public service has always been important to McLeod.

She grew up watching her parents, Jim and Mary, give their time to numerous organizations and non-profits in the Oxford area, and they instilled a strong sense of service to the community in her. She also appreciates the importance of good government.

After graduating from Oxford Area High School, McLeod earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from St. Joseph’s University.

She started her career working in politics when she was

a political field staffer for Pennsylvanians for Effective Government, serving as part of the daily operations team for two of Pennsylvania’s most highly targeted State Representative races that year. After graduating from college, she went to work for the Republican Committee of Chester County as the member services director. A few months later, McLeod was hired as the Committee’s executive director, a position that she held for almost four years. Shen then went to work as a communications consultant for Pathfinder Communications, which later became Red Maverick Media. In this role, she developed winning campaign and communication strategies for candidates and campaigns across the country. In 2014, she became the senior communications and marketing professional with the Delaware State Education Association, which is her present job. She is also a graduate of the Anne Anstine Excellence in Public Service Series, which has a mission of increasing the number and influence of Republican women in government, politics, and

Uncle Irvin...

Continued from Page 1A

protecting the entrance to the courthouse.

This alert deputy saved lives by shooting an armed suspect (the same guy that the White House Secret Service let go after breaching the White House fence.)

The deputies are recruited, hired and supervised

by Sheriff Carolyn community leadership.

With her education and background, it might seem to be a natural next step for McLeod to enter local politics, but she maintains that she was reluctant at first to run for supervisor.

She was talking to East Nottingham supervisor Gene Turns last year, and he was talking about some of the issues facing the township.

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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“Bunny” Welsh, who is running for re-election.

Sheriff Welsh has been honored by her peers by being elected as President of the State Association of Sheriffs as well as the National Association of Sheriffs.

She merits re-election Sheriff Welsh is not a row officer because she works on Tuesday, Nov. 3. full-time and is a true professional law enforcement (Uncle Irvin’s column officer that is responsible is his opinion only, and for vitally important duties. is not a news story.)

He encouraged her to join him on the ballot, and she ultimately decided that she would run for a seat on the Board of Supervisors. Turns passed away in April.

“It was a huge loss to the township,” she explained.

Although she has experience in the political realm, or perhaps because of that experience, McLeod doesn’t view serving as township

supervisor as a political position.

“These are community positions to me, not political positions,” she explained.

To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

Moxon...

Continued from Page 1A

ate what they see as an agenda pushed upon the township by Stevens and Leff.

Moxon did not imagine himself being in the crossfire of conversation related to how the township is governed.

Running for the board wasn’t his first choice, but the local Republican guard was searching for the right persons to represent the Republican side of the ballot.

“This opportunity found me, rather than me seeking it, actively,” Moxon said. “I felt a real need, based on what’s transpired in the township in the last two years, to ensure that there was going to be a voice on the board to represent voices in the township who were being ignored.”

Moxon, a member of the township’s Communications Committee, knows that if he is elected on Nov. 3, he is expected to become the opposing vote on a board that has voted 2-1 most of the time on key decisions regarding township ordinances and initiatives for the past two years.

“I’m not running against Whitney Hoffman. I’m running against what has become the perceived status quo that’s been created,” Moxon said.

“I have no agenda other than to make and keep the township a place where residents can continue to live without stress, without being angry with the fact that their township may be doing something they are not in agreement with.”

When asked to assess the state of the board over the last two years, Moxon, a frequent attendee at board meetings, said that he agrees with about 80 percent of the way business is conducted, and that if he is elected, he predicts he would join with Leff and Stevens on the same percentage of decisions.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

The other 20 percent of board business, he said, is done in a “Helter Skelter fashion,” in a way that requires Stevens and Leff to backpedal through ordinances that ends up with them getting their hands slapped in violation of township and ethical codes.

“I don’t think there has been a strong enough voice in those executive sessions to try to steer [Stevens and Leff] away from making snap judgments and shoot-from-the-hip style of governing that is not in the best interest of the residents,” Moxon said.

One of the agenda items he feels is being conducted incorrectly is a proposal that Stevens is pushing that would require that a trails ordinance be incorporated in all township acquisitions of open space. Moxon feels that the insistence to have a trail placed on all township property is wrong, and may serve to lessen the future acquisition of open space in the township.

“He or she may back away from that, and we may end up not preserving that space, and that’s a travesty,” he said.

“There are also trails being developed on open space that are not first being reviewed by the general public.”

Another key issue Moxon would like to address if elected is considered by many in the township to be a “happy problem.” Currently, the township’s total assets sit just to the north of $25 million – a healthy sum in any municipality – but it has created a surplus Moxon believes requires the need to lower township taxes, whether through a referendum, an ordinance, or through the assistance of the Pennsylvania legislature.

“The surplus is one thing, but the thing that created the surplus is what really needs to be addressed, and that is

Hoffman...

the simple fact that we’re taking more tax money than we Continued from Page 1A need,” he said. “We need a With the campaign – way to stop this.” and possible election – of Democrat Whitney Hoffman Ted Moxon (Republican) to replace Hammaker in Age: 62 January 2016, some who Family: Wife Monica, five follow the township’s govchildren, one grandchild ernment are believing that Length of Residence in the same scenario may soon Kennett Township: 6 exist again.

Related Experience: It’s a perception Hoffman Environmental Planner, flatly denies.

Chester County Planning “I find it insulting to Commission. Republican assume that I would just be Committee representative a rubber stamp for Scudder and member of the Kennett and Richard,” Hoffman said Township Communications of her candidacy. “I hate Committee. when things get partisan, Agenda: To preserve open because I think the actual space; to protect open lands issues about what’s good from future development; to for the future of the townsupport the creation of trails ship get lost in this side and trail networks, without and that side conflict. My impinging upon the privacy axe to grind, if anything, of adjacent property owners; is trying to make sure that to ensure fiscal responsibility the township is more comwith taxpayer funds; to sup- munity-focused and more port maintenance of township responsive to its residents. infrastructure.

We should be working Quote: “I’m a small govern- toward something that’s ment person. When you try more reflective of what to use the powers that you the community wants and have to manipulate the laws needs.” of your local township, and to A review of Hoffman’s force an agenda on everyone, campaign platform reveals you’re potentially creating a an extensive list of issues structure that’s going to cre- of concern to the townate a demand of money that ship’s future, and while a township like us shouldn’t some objectives are simihave and probably won’t lar in scope to the work have. being done by Stevens and “The level of financial diffi- Leff, the brightest spot of culty being experienced by the Hoffman’s agenda is an area state and federal government that, if elected, could be in is an outcome of trying to the form of what she calls please everybody. The town- a crucial natural resource: ship has a basic command sustainable development, to maintain local roads, as seen through increased make sure that development Internet capability. happens in a way that is intelLeaning on her knowlligent, and that ordinances are edge of as a digital media followed and buildings are strategist and consultant, built smartly. That’s the focus Hoffman believes that the of local government.” township must expand its Website: www.kennettrepub- communication channels licans.org with township residents. If To contact Staff Writer elected, she would like to Richard L. Gaw, e-mail help the township acquire rgaw@chestercounty.com. the high-speed community

Internet services soon to be made accessible by Comcast and Verizon. It’s the key to improving the technological infrastructure for the township, which she feels will benefit schools, businesses, and homeowners.

Hoffman said that increased Internet capability in the township would allow more residents to work from home, thus reducing traffic and pollution. She said that it would encourage local employers to bring more clean jobs to the Kennett area, and increase the township’s earned income tax base, providing additional money to improve infrastructure, attracting new businesses and increasing property values.

“Comcast has said that they’ve already rolled out 2-gigabit Internet in Atlanta and San Francisco, and plan to do it in this area over the next two to three years,” Hoffman said. “I want to make sure we’re early on that list, because we have a population here that already has family members with multiple devices, and having higher bandwidth access will be great for all of that. If we’re not looking two or three years down the road, we’re going to end up behind the eight ball.”

Increasing communication avenues in the township, Hoffman said, will be directly related to increasing its transparency.

Although she praised the township for an improved website and its ability to communicate with residents during the snowstorms of last year’s winter, it’s merely the first step in the progress she would like to see in developing consumer-friendly technology.

“We have to have a better user interface and on-line

experience,” she said. “You can get anything you want from our website but if its going to take more than three clicks to get there, nobody knows and nobody cares. You can videotape all of the supervisors’ meetings, and it won’t mean anything if there’s no index and it’s not searchable. I would like governments better use the tools that we have been given.

“It’s as much about communication as it is about radical transparency.”

Whitney Hoffman (Democrat) Age: 49 Family: Husband Matt, two children Length of Residence in Kennett Township: 11 Related Experience: Treasurer, Junior Board of Christiana Care; Member, Kennett Consolidated School District Professional Development and Strategic Planning Committees; Pa. State Representative Election 2014 Candidate, Pa. District 160.

Agenda: Sustainable development; financial transparency and responsibility; open space and trails; and public safety.

Quote: “How can we synthesize our information into something that’s meaningful and actionable, and get a plan to go forward? You can have great ideas all day, but if you don’t have an implementation strategy, it means nothing. Part of it is, that when you know that there are better ways of getting information, you can either throw up your hands or you can actually do something to improve it.”

Website: www.hoffman4supervisor.com To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, e-mail rgaw@chestercounty.com.

Bond refinancing could save KCSD significant money on debt service

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

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The Kennett School Board acted on a recommendation by the administration and authorized district officials to continue the process of refinancing and restructuring general obligation bonds. The restructuring is expected to reduce the district’s annual debt service obligation while extending the overall time that the district will be paying off the debt by two years.

At the Oct. 12 school board meeting, business administrator Mark Tracy led the presentation regarding the plan. Tracy explained that there was an extensive presentation at the Finance Committee’s meeting on Sept. 21, and district officials considered several options, including capturing all the refinancing savings upfront while maintaining the existing annual debt service.

There were also two options to restructure the refinanced debt to reduce the annual debt service over the entire duration of all the district’s bond issues.

Tracy said that district officials, working primarily with Public Financial Management as the financial advisor, reached the strategic decision to pursue one of the options that would reduce the debt service payments over the life of the debt, giving the district extra flexibility when it comes to developing the annual budget in the upcoming years.

The school board approved the resolution.

District officials will be working with Kegel Kelin Almy & Lord LLP as bond counsel, RBC Capital Markets

as managing underwriter, as well as the district’s solicitor, to prepare the necessary documentation and approvals to proceed with the refinancing and issuance of restructured debt. This refinancing will take place in two stages, one late in 2015 and the other early in 2016, because it is advantageous to do bond issues for under $10 million.

While the school district had the option of taking all the savings up front, the financial advisors thought it would be much more beneficial longterm to save on the debt service payments year after year instead.

School board member Michael Finnegan, who serves on the district’s finance committee, said that it’s better to extend the debt by two years, which will even out the debt services payments, instead of raising taxes on the public in future years.

The Kennett School Board approved the appointment of Dr. Yvette Line-Koller as the director of special education. Line-Koller earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Shippensburg University, her master’s degree in school psychology from Millersville University, and a doctorate in education administration from Immaculata University. Dr. Line-Koller served nine years as a school psychologist and most recently was the director of student services in the Warwick School District.

Superintendent Dr. Barry Tomasetti said that there were 28 candidates for the position, including seven who made it through the first round of interviews and four that participated in the second round of interviews.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

Hillendale...

Continued from Page 1A

Dissinger. I’ll use Steve as conduit to get back to you.

I’m hearing that there’s one instant issue, which is the language arts section. The longer-term view is to consider the guidelines we have in place.”

Board president Victor Dupuis added, “There’s no question that having fewer students is better. The question is, can we afford it, and can we do it without redistricting? Those are the big questions we have. We’ve heard you loud and clear, though, and we’re going to take some time to create a good response.”

In a discussion of the district’s long-range development plans, Rick Hostetler, the supervisor of buildings and grounds, outlined the specific spending projections, saying, “In the 10-year plan, Patton Middle School and Hillendale Elementary are the focus because they’ve gone the longest without major renovations.”

In 2015, the district spent $3.1 million on large-scale renovations, Hostetler said, which was in line with projections. “The bottom line, as far as proposed expenditures for 2016, is that we’re looking at $3,150,500,” he said.

Bob Cochran, director of business and operations, said, “We’ve been putting money aside to fund the five-year plan. Right now, we’re sitting with $3.3 million available to us for year three of the 10-year plan and beyond. We will be into spring of the 2017 school year when we’re going to have a conversation about additional funding through a bond issue to keep the 10-year plan going.”

Addressing the current major renovations at the middle school, Hostetler said, “I’m not going to beat around the bush, it’s a very frustrating project. But it’s coming

Kennett Council...

Continued from Page 1A

borough, creating another vacancy.

If these rumors come to pass, the only incumbents on the council would be Geoff Bosley and Danilo Maffei, whose terms expire on Jan. 1, 2018.

Three new council members will be elected by voters on Nov. 3 from the list of candidates that includes the following: Doug Doerfler Wayne Braffman Jamie Mallon Jennifer McFarland Mark Krahforst John R Thomas

along. We’re probably a little bit behind schedule, perhaps about a week. If you go over there, things are happening, but it is requiring a lot of effort. I’m still anticipating completion in December.”

When it comes to outside groups renting the athletic facilities at Unionville High School, Hostetler said the demand is sometimes overwhelming. “We continue to get inundated with requests,” he said. “Most are for our athletic fields and gyms. We do get a number of requests from community groups, particularly the URA (Unionville Recreation Association).

URA gets priority over noncommunity groups. They, and Southern Chester County Soccer, have used our facilities for years, and they have a standing request.”

Sanville added that, “There are concerns that some of the other groups are not really community groups. If somebody wants to lie that their membership is 75 percent members of our community, they can do that. We’re not police. We’ve been trusting of our community. But the question was raised that perhaps not everyone is being as forthright as other groups. So we’re going to require names

VOTE A

New Voice and a

New Vision and addresses of those groups that are using our facilities, with an opportunity to opt in so we can communicate with them directly to confirm their status, the category of the group, and whether we should charge or not charge, and how much we should charge.

To be fair, we’re going to do that for all groups.”

Addressing the resignation of board member Keith Knauss last week, Sanville said, “The board will act next week to accept Keith’s resignation from the board.

We’ll have an opportunity to thank him for his service to the board at next week’s meeting. From a public perspective, on Oct. 27, we’ll advertise the position on our website, and send it out to the community. We will accept applications through the sixth of November. There will be interviews on the ninth, and then the board will vote on a new member on Nov. 16.”

The board will meet on Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. at the Unionville Elementary School auditorium. Visit www.ucfsd. org for details and all board documents.

To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@chestercounty.com.

RANDALL

LIEBERMAN NEW GARDEN SUPERVISOR

WORKING FOR A BETTER TOWNSHIP

NOVEMBER 3, 2015 610.274.2054 • rsl@email.com PAID FOR BY CANDIDATE

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

Runners and walkers race through the grapes at Paradocx

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer Beneath a bright blue sky, more than 100 competitors braved an autumnal chill to compete in the second annual Race Through the Grapes 5K Run/Walk this past Saturday morning at the Paradocx Vineyard in Landenberg.

The proceeds from the race benefited the Dr. Gregory DeSimone Memorial Scholarship

Fund which supports local students pursuing careers in emergency medicine or as a physician assistant. Dr. DeSimone was the Medical Director of Southern Chester County Emergency Medical Services Medic 94 and the Jennersville Regional Hospital Emergency Department from 1991 to his sudden passing in 2013.

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, e-mail rgaw@chestercounty.com.

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

More than 100 runners and walkers competed in the Race Through the Grapes benefit race.

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Several runners came to the event to compete in groups.

ELEC T Gary says NO! You say YES!

Gary

COATES

www.GaryCoates.org EAST NOTTINGHAM SUPERVISOR Paid for by Hickory Hill Group LLC

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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More Obituaries appear on Page 9A

WILLIAM F. ROBINSON

RANDALL L. THOMPSON

William Frederick “Fred” Robinson passed away peacefully at home in Chadds Ford on Oct. 11 at the age of 76.

Fred was born in Atlanta, Ga., in 1938.

He worked for Avon Products for 28 years, and retired in 1994. He enjoyed studying genealogy, golf, and boating.

He is survived by his loving wife, Janet, of nearly 58 years. They were married in 1957. Fred is lovingly remembered by his four children and their spouses, Terri Robinson of Wilmington, Del., Glenda Cameron (Don) of Landenberg, Dale Robinson (Liz) of Newark, Del., and Dwayne Robinson (Erin) of Wilmington, Del. He was an adoring grandfather to nine grandchildren, Jennifer Daher of Philadelphia, Christopher Daher of Wilmington, Peter Robinson of Wilmington, Donny Cameron of Landenberg, Amelia Hamm (Tyler) of Quarryville, Daniel, David, and Julia Robinson of Newark, and Ethan Robinson of Wilmington. Fred also leaves two great-grandchildren, Haley Daher and Lili-Ann Robinson.

A funeral was held Oct. 17. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Michael Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 178, Unionville, PA 19375-0178.

Randall Lee Thompson, 51, of Champions Gate, Fla., passed away peacefully at his residence on Oct. 6 after a courageous five-year battle with cancer.

He was the childhood sweetheart, beloved friend and husband to Dori Thompson for over 35 years. Born and raised in West Grove, he was the son of the late Paul and Stella Thompson. He attended Avon Grove High School.

He worked for 18 years at Sonoco Paper Products in Downingtown, and worked his final years at his favorite vacation destination, Walt Disney World, as custodial trainer for new employees.

He will be deeply missed by his three children, Matthew Thompson of West Grove, Lydia Thompson of Galveston, Texas, and Jesse Thompson of Oxford; one grandchild, Xavier Thompson; and remembered by his devoted brothers Don Thompson of Dover, Del., Roger Thompson of West Grove; sister Wanda Shrewbrooks of Middletown, Del.; and brother-in-law Gordon Trottier of Kissimmee, Fla.; along with countless other friends and family. Randall touched the lives of many people with his smile and generosity, and maintained his trademark sense of humor all the way to the end, with his political views, and the bleeping weather updates.

A memorial service was held Oct. 17. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to: Cancer Research Institute, National Headquarters, One Exchange Plaza, 55 Broadway, Suite 1802, New York, NY 10006 (www.cancerresearch.org). Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

BERTHA GALLAGHER FABIUCCI Bertha Gallagher Fabiucci, 97, of Hockessin, Del., and formerly of Toughkenamon, passed away on Oct. 10, surrounded by her loving family.

She was the wife of Michael Fabiucci, who passed away in 1997, and with whom she shared 59 years of marriage. Born in Kennett Square, she was the daughter of the late George G. and Mayme Nelson Gallagher. She worked as a mushroom packer for Phillips Mushroom Company for 30 years prior to her retirement. Bert had a great love for family and life, spending many years at Hollaway Beach. She will be missed by her family and many nieces and nephews.

She leaves many memories to her family, Virginia Forenski (Robert) of Hockessin, Del., with whom she resided, and Linda Thompson (Chalmer) of Newark, Del.; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Helen Detter. She was predeceased by three sisters, Margaret Allaband, Martha Bailey and Virginia Gallagher; and one brother, David Detter.

A funeral was held Oct. 17. Burial was in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church, P.O. Box 421, Avondale, PA 19311; or to the Avondale Fire Company, 23 Firehouse Way, Avondale, PA 19311. To leave an online condolence, visit www.griecocares.com.

JOSEPH J. BISSINGER, JR. Joseph (Joe) Bissinger, Jr., 63, died peacefully in Brandywine Hall Nursing Facility in West Chester after battling a long illness.

He is survived by his wife, Anna; children, Joseph III, Jacob, and Julia Bissinger from West Chester; Jason Bissinger, Tiffany Van Note; two granddaughters from Cape May, N.J.; his stepchildren, John Gray from Kennett Square and Megan McCambley from Pottstown; mother, Faith Williams of Christiana; siblings John Bissinger and Judi Houser from Broomall, sister-in-law Joann; niece Jeanna Bissinger from Parkesburg; nephews Timothy Houser of Broomall, and Jonathan, Joshua, and Jessee Bissinger from Cochranville.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joe Bissinger, Sr.; and his sister, Dorothy (Dottsie) Bissinger of Woodlyn.

Joe was a self-employed master craftsman. Everyone who met Joe remembers him as a man of great humor who took enormous pleasure in making others laugh. Joe respected and treasured his unique relationship with each one of his family members.

At Joe’s request, the family will hold a private memorial service. Memorial donations may be given to The C.A.S.T. for Kids Program (https://donatenow.networkforgood. org/castforkids).

OSCAR J. CROSSON, JR. Oscar “Monk” John Crosson, Jr., 71, of Oxford, passed away on Oct. 10 at his residence.

He was the husband of Maryetta Plebani Crosson, with whom he shared 48 years of marriage. Born in West Chester, he was the son of Elizabeth Hickman Crosson of Newark, Del., and the late Oscar John Crosson, Sr. He was horseman/ equestrian at Cheshire Hunt in Unionville. He was the whipper-in for Cheshire Hunt and the Cochran Hunt. He was also a huntsman for the Vic Mead Hunt. He was a member of the Unionville Presbyterian Church, the Professional Horsemen’s Association, where he had served as past president, and numerous gun clubs.

In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by two sons, Michael Crosson of West Grove, and John Crosson and his wife Rachel of East Earl, Pa.; two daughters, Beth Nance and her husband Daniel of Pocopson, and Amy Crosson of Oxford; a daughter-in-law, Debbie Crosson of Kennett Square; one sister, Patricia Ingle and her husband Bob of Newark, Del.; eight grandchildren, Ashlee, Brian, Carly, Lexi, Zach, David, Dylan, and Kyle; one greatgrandson, Nicky; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was

predeceased by one sister, Iva Young.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Ann Esposito and Neighborhood Hospice. A visitation with the family will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Oct. 21 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). His memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be private. If you hunted with Monk, the family requests that you wear hunting attire to the service. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to Brandywine Valley Chapter Professional Horsemen’s Association (BVCPHA), c/o Nancy Tully, 226 South Union Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348; or to the Unionville Presbyterian Church, 812 Wollaston Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

MANLY J. HENDRICKSON Manly “Nick” J. Hendrickson, 89, of Landenberg, died Oct. 11 at Heartland Hospice House in Wilmington, Del. He was the husband of the late Betty Mae George Hendrickson, who passed in 2012, and with whom he shared 67 years of marriage. Born in New Castle, Del., he was a son of the late Manly M. and the late Henrietta (Lucus) Hendrickson. He served our country in the U.S. Coast Guard and Merchant Marines.

He worked for NVF Company in Yorklyn, Del., for 45 years. He attended St. Gabriel and St. Patrick Catholic Churches with his wife during their lifetime. They loved traveling to all points of the country, especially the mountains. He loved hunting, fishing, and animals.

Survivors include two daughters, Nettie Joan Hanna (Tex) of Townsend, Del., and Linda Schroder (John) of Hustontown, Pa.; two sons, Nelson D. Hendrickson (Jean) of Nottingham, and Joseph “Nick” Hendrickson, Jr. (Edna) of Kirkwood; three brothers, Howard Hendrickson of Buck, Robert Hendrickson of Landenberg, and Sam Hendrickson of West Grove; 12 grandchildren; 24 greatgrandchildren; and 19 great-great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by two grandchildren.

A funeral was held Oct. 20. Interment was in St. Patrick Cemetery in Kennett Square. Contributions in his memory may be made to Heartland Hospice, 5661 Ochletree Lane, Wilmington, DE 19808. To share a memory, visit www.griecocares.com.

Alleluia Jeff Lampl, Senior Pastor

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

Chester County Press

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Opinion

Editorial

Letter to the Editor

Vote ‘yes’ to referendum on open space program

Arrowood seeks re-election to Oxford School Board

This newspaper has frequently written about the need for more commercial and industrial development in the Oxford Area School District to alleviate some of the burden on taxpayers in the community.

When school and municipal taxes are factored in, residents in Oxford Borough, Lower Oxford Township, Upper Oxford Township, Elk Township, East Nottingham Township, and West Nottingham Township have some of the largest tax burdens in the county. At the same time, the Oxford Area School District spends millions of dollars less than its neighboring school districts, primarily because Oxford simply doesn’t have the commercial and industrial tax base it needs.

On Nov. 3, East Nottingham Township residents will decide the fate of a referendum that asks voters if they want to continue the imposition of the earnedincome tax in the amount of one-half of one percent

by East Nottingham Township to be used for financing the acquisition of open space, acquiring agricultural conservations easements, or acquiring recreation or historic lands.

The unequivocal answer to that question should be “yes.”

It might seem counterintuitive to suggest that residents vote in support of a tax when they are already heavily burdened, but it’s not.

Utilizing the money raised by the tax to protect farmland is a way not only to preserve agriculture and maintain the rural character of the community, it is also a way to ensure that residential growth doesn’t spiral out of control.

Those who are championing the continuation of the township’s open space program point out that there are already more than 500 homes that are proposed to be built in East Nottingham—and that’s with the open space program in place. What would be the result without the program?

That’s a good question. The answer might be very bad for taxpayers in the entire Oxford Area School District.

While commercial and industrial growth would be beneficial for the Oxford area, residential growth— especially the kind that adds, on average, 2.3 children to the school system—would make a difficult situation even worse.

East Nottingham Township residents approved the creation of the open space program more than a decade ago because they believed that it would be beneficial. It was a good idea then, and it’s a good idea now. Residents should vote “yes” to the referendum question.

Ensure that Avon Grove schools remain strong on Election Day Letter to the Editor: On Nov. 3, Franklin and London Britain townships will be electing a member to the Avon Grove School Board. As an involved parent who is invested in the future of the district and as a taxpayer, I want to encourage everyone to get out and vote for a candidate that cares about keeping Avon Grove a desired school district.

We need to ensure that we continue to elect competent, reasonable individuals, regardless of political affiliations, that look out for the well-being of our educational system as well as our community. Gwen Livingston has extensive business experience as well as three children currently enrolled in Avon

Grove schools. I believe she will bring a balanced approach to decision-making and is the best candidate to help oversee our district in the coming years. Although elections are political, she is not driven by any political party agendas that might have a negative impact on the critical issues facing our school district. She simply wants the best school district possible, while being fiscally responsible to the taxpayers.

If you reside in the Avon Grove School District, remember to do your part to ensure that our schools remain strong. Vote Gwen Livingston for School Director.

Carolyn Hammerschmidt Franklin Township

Chester County Press Publisher - Randall S. Lieberman

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Letter to the Editor:

I’m Donna Arrowood, incumbent candidate for School Director of the Oxford Area School District. “Vying for Votes” was the headline of a story in the Oct. 7, 2015 issue of the Chester County Press.

The article gave the Kennett Square Borough community the opportunity to learn about the candidates running for their Borough Council. I would like the Oxford Area School District community to learn about my desire to be re-elected to the Oxford Area Board of School Directors.

This is my fourth year on the board, and my second year

of serving as the president of the board. I would appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve our students and our community.

I believe in public education, especially the education provided by the Oxford Area School District. My mother, myself, and my children graduated from Oxford, and my grandson is currently attending Oxford.

My brother taught chemistry and physics at Oxford until his retirement.

After graduating from Goldey Beacom, I began my full-time career with the district. After working as the superintendent’s secretary, tax clerk, and the business administrator’s secre-

tary, I took a ten-year break in service to stay home with my children. I returned to the position of the business administrator’s secretary in 1986, and I continued my career until my retirement in 2010.

Having attended school board meetings for years, I realized that being a board member would be the best place for me to give back to the community.

I was elected to the board four years ago, and I am running for re-election this year.

The board has brought about changes in personnel and curriculum that will benefit every student and staff member. Our new administration will help Oxford grow from good to

great. I want to be along for that ride.

For the voters of Regions 1 and 2, you will find me running as the at-large candidate.

For the voters of Region 3, I am on the ballot for the Region 3 candidate and the at-large candidate. Region 3 voters can support me by voting for me in both positions.

I’m asking you to vote for me on Nov. 3. We will provide our students with the best education our community can afford. I can help make that happen.

Donna (Aylsworth) Arrowood Incumbent candidate for the Oxford School Board

Column about Oxford Borough Revitalization Plan was wrong Letter to the Editor: I wanted to clarify a few points regarding the recent column by Uncle Irvin (“Another Plan to Sit On” in the Oct. 7 issue of the Chester County Press) regarding the Borough of Oxford’s Revitalization Plan of 2003 and the lack of private investment.

I have addressed the Recommendations of the Revitalization Plan of 2003 below and their status:

Page 49, Economic Development and Redevelopment Recommendations (1,2, 4) The Borough worked with Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. (OMI) to set up a Business Improvement District.

(3,4) The Borough works with OMI to leverage mutual funding for the business district by soliciting and receiving grants for Façade Improvements, Streetscape and Infrastructure Improvements, and working cooperatively on studies which are required by funders.

(3) The Borough has updated and initiated zoning ordinances to encourage business growth.

(4) The Borough has supported (OMI) each year with a financial contribution since its inception in 1999.

(4) The Borough, OMI and the Chamber of Commerce have shared costs on a number of studies required to bring in business, provide signage for parking, gateway signs, perform parking studies, etc.

(1, 2, 4) The Borough, OMI, Chamber of Commerce, and the Oxford Arts Alliance have worked together to create events such as First Fridays, Country Christmas, monthly art exhibits and the annual car show to name a few, which bring in shoppers to support our businesses and other annual events. These same events have brought in new businesses as well.

(4) The Borough worked with Tastykake/Flower Foods to create a Keystone Enterprise Zone to encourage their expansion and to retain them in our area.

Page 50, Public Infrastructure Recommendations (1) The Borough bought and renovated a building for use as a new police station, performed renovations on Borough Hall.

(2) The Borough and surrounding townships established a regional park. The Borough contributed toward purchase of property and continues to make annual contributions to the park.

(3) Protect the green. This property belongs to the Oxford Presbyterian Church and continues to remain the church’s property.

(4) The Borough has final-

ized the boundaries of the proposed historic district and has passed an ordinance to create a Historical Architecture Review Board. Board members are expected to be approved by Borough Council this year.

(5) The former School District Administration Building was purchased by a local business and was fully renovated by that business.

(6) Reserve space for the library in the public parking lot. The Oxford Library has completed a successful renovation and purchased a property to expand the parking lot. The Borough shared costs with the library to install a crosswalk in front of the library leading to the National Penn Bank Parking lot.

(7) The Post Office has remained in Oxford and expanded the parking lot.

(8) The Borough has worked with surrounding townships to improve public sewer, contributing a share of required costs.

The Act 537 Plan has been updated. Oxford Area Sewer Authority sewage treatment plant has been improved and spray fields have been added.

(8) The Borough has located more wells and will be working with a developer to bring a new line over to the Borough Water Treatment facility. The Borough has updated the security and performed maintenance on their water tanks through a Chester County grant which required 25 percent of matching funds. The Borough has systematically improved water lines, valves and hydrants throughout the Borough including S. Third Street, Pine Street, N. Fourth Street, and N. Third Street.

(9) The Borough and OMI have had numerous talks with the fire company over the years to evaluate their building needs.

Page 52, Circulation Recommendations

(2C) Rite Aid Drugstore. Due to concern from property owners behind the drugstore, this item has been tabled.

(2D) Angled Parking has been created on Broad Street.

Parking Lot on North and South sides of Broad Street have been repaved, reconfigured, and new streetlights have been installed. Lot on North side has been metered. Signage on S. Third Street installed.

(2E) Property where Oxford Diner sits is owned by the railroad. Railroad has no interest at this time in a long-term parking lot. The Oxford Diner is a beloved icon in the community and there is no interest in relocating the diner.

(2F) Two-hour parking limits on S. Third Street have been initiated.

Page 53, Slow truck traffic through downtown.

(3 A, C) Borough police set up temporary flashing signs and do mandatory traffic stops.

Pedestrian crosswalks, and pedestrian signs installed throughout Borough to slow all traffic.

(3 D, E, F not advised by solicitor or PennDOT) (3) Signs installed to prohibit truck traffic on some streets except for local delivery.

Local Traffic Advisory Committee has performed traffic studies and initiated installation of signs in surrounding townships along Route 1 Bypass to direct truck traffic to I-95.

(4) Make Oxford more pedestrian-friendly (4A) Sidewalks are continually improved throughout Borough. The Borough’s Sidewalk Ordinance requiring sidewalk installation and repairs upon sale, has been enforced. Our intent is to create “pedestrian trails” (sidewalks) from one side of town to the other.

New sidewalks and crosswalks on S. Third Street, Market Street, N. Third Street.

(5) Conduct a traffic study on Third Street between Market Street and Pine Street/ Lancaster Avenue Traffic study performed before streetscape projects which resulted in following actions: 1. Island installed in Lancaster Avenue as traffic calming measure 2. Local Traffic Advisory Committee initiated to study traffic problems. This committee meets once a month.

3. The Borough works with Chester County Planning Commission on transportation initiatives such as the SCOOT bus. The Borough provides financial support to TMACC.

(1 A, B, C, E, ) Streetscape and Traffic Calming Improvements have been successfully completed on S. Third Street from Market Street to Hodgson Street, N. Third Street, Lancaster Avenue/ Pine Street, Market Street to N. Fourth Street. Item D met with resistance from residents backing up to the proposed alley from Locust to Hodgson. Item F is planned for the next grant application. Item G (Sopher’s Alley) has been improved and is still being dealt with.

(2A) Publicly accessible parking downtown. Businesses are located at 54 S. 3rd St. and at this time there are no plans for a public parking lot there.

(2B) Acquire or lease National Penn Bank’s Parking lot. The Borough is in talks regarding this and performing Page 54, Housing a Parking Study for the entire and Public Safety Borough.

Recommendations

(1) Enact inspection and contractor licensing requirements.

This is a state requirement which the Borough has done for a number of years.

(1) Borough initiated a rental property registration and inspection program which is done every two years.

(1) Licensing of and proof of insurance is required of all contractors within the Borough.

(1) Borough has adopted the International Property Maintenance Code as well as the Borough’s Code.

(1) The Borough has a part-time Codes Office in the Borough open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. through 2 p.m.

(1) The Borough has a website with access to the Borough Codes and forms.

This is an accounting of what the Borough has implemented in relationship to the 2003 Revitalization Plan. This is not a listing of all of the Borough’s accomplishments.

We encourage everyone to visit our Borough at any time to see what we are working on for our future. Please remember we hold an annual Borough Day the first Monday in December, this year on Dec. 4, when the office is open from 7:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.

Regarding investment from private individuals or business owners, business owners are continually investing in property in the Borough of Oxford either through purchasing property or renovating their properties.

There is a Façade Improvement Grant Program through the Mainstreet Program, but that requires a 50 percent match and is limited.

Numerous buildings such as the Octoraro Hotel, former Fulton Bank, Masonic Building, Arts Alliance, etc. have been invested in by local business owners in order to support the Borough of Oxford.

I personally sit on boards with our business owners and residents who invest both time and money as needed to support OMI and numerous other agencies in the Borough of Oxford. This is a very giving community. Many of them were generous supporters of recent million dollar projects such as the Lighthouse Youth Center and the Oxford Library Expansion Project. They are working on our parking issues, but are taking a borough wideview so any money we use is used wisely.

As for the grants you question. These grants are funded by all taxpayers. Why wouldn’t the Borough of Oxford residents want their tax money to be used in the Borough of Oxford?

Ronald K. Hershey President of Oxford Borough Council

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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BRIAN D. SHULTZ

ANN R. BALDWIN

Brian Dyson Shultz, 57, of Modena, passed away on Oct. 6 at his residence.

Born in Blossburg, Pa., he was the son of Dyson Shultz of Greenfield, Mass., and Marcia Gatz Murtagh of Wysox, Pa. Brian was a site manager for Waste Oil Recyclers in Modena. He was a great outdoorsman, and enjoyed spending time in the woods, camping and kyaking. He enjoyed working and cars and was a good cabinetmaker.

He enjoyed mentoring others, he was kindhearted, was curious about things and was a hard worker.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by two sons, Matthew D. Shultz and his wife Marisha of San Diego, Calif., and Daniel J. Shultz and his wife Jen of Oxford; two brothers, David Shultz of Manlius, N.Y., and Brandon Shultz of Pennsylvania; and two grandchildren, Justice and Agape.

His memorial meeting for worship was held Oct. 15 at the London Grove Friends Meeting. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

Ann R. Baldwin, 84, of Lander, Wyo., passed away on Oct. 13.

Ann was born in 1931 to Parke R. and Bertha R. Rhodewalt in Oxford, Pa. She loved to travel and fly with her husband, adventuring to national parks, the beach, Alaska, Venice, and Paris. She also loved to read mystery and history books, do needlepoint, and visit with her family. And she had a special place in her heart for dogs.

She was a member of the Lander chapter of the PEO. In her professional life, Ann was a gifted counselor who helped guide students in The Miami Valley School and the Kettering Fairmont High School in Ohio. She also taught math, taking special effort to bring in math history to deepen the experience for her students. Ann will be remembered for her beautiful blue eyes, the soul behind them, her sharp mind, her good heart, her ironic wit, and her strong will. She is deeply missed by her family and friends.

Her survivors include her husband of 64 years, Wayne Baldwin; son Andrew Baldwin and wife Gina; son Gregg Baldwin and husband Mark Collins; daughter Julie Baldwin and husband Dave Resch; granddaughter Sarah Reilley and Ben Reilley; grandson Adam Baldwin and wife Sarajean; grandson Nate Baldwin and wife Anna; and her great-grandchildren Natalie, Caitlin, Ze, and Azalea. She was preceded in death by her sister, Bertha R. Harris, in 2012. Visit www.hudsonsfuneralhome.com.

PATRICIA ANTONIA LEACH Patricia (Trish) Antonia Leach, 56, of Landenberg, died on Oct. 10 at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia.

Born in Rockville Centre, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late Anton J. Juras and the late Helen Mollenhauer Juras. Trish graduated from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo., with a Bachelor’s Degree in social work and psychology. She received her Master’s Degree in elementary education from Wilmington College in Wilmington, Del. She worked as a loan officer for credit unions in Colorado, as a teacher in the Christina School District in Delaware, and as a homemaker, mother and home-school teacher to her three children. Trish loved Jesus, and she enjoyed teaching Bible studies with her home group in Landenberg and attending church at The Barn Vineyard Church. Trish loved adventure, and she traveled all across the United States. Trish loved her family, and enjoyed spending time with them. Trish loved her friends, and enjoyed giving generously to help people. Trish loved animals, enjoying her dogs and cats throughout her life.

Survivors include her husband James; her son Joshua; her daughter Jasmine Zook and Jasmine’s husband Chris Zook; her daughter Nicolette; two brothers, Richard Juras and Michael Juras; and her sister Virginia St. John.

A funeral was held Oct. 17. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or the Trish Leach Education Scholarship at Fulton Bank in West Grove. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

ANTHONY J. TAVONI, SR. Anthony J. Tavoni, Sr., 96, passed away on Oct. 11 at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital.

He was born in 1918 in his aunt’s home on Hillendale Road, Kennett Square. Tony was the first son, and second child of Grace Martelli Tavoni and Domenic Tavoni of Kennett Square. He grew up working in his father’s mushroom business, and was on the track and soccer teams at Kennett Consolidated High School. In April of 1942, he married Josephine M. DiAngelis (Pip). Later that year he entered the U.S. Army, and after boot camp, was shipped off to the war in the Pacific. Although in the infantry, he worked various jobs -- billets officer, driver, and received his corporal strip after completion of radio school. He was honorably discharged on Nov. 27, 1945, and went back to work for his father, along with his two brothers, Sam and Dom. He and Pip started their family (Vicki and Tav), and he pursued his passion by obtaining his private pilot’s license that he maintained for 40 years. Golf later also

became another favorite pastime. Tony was a chartered member of the American Mushroom Institute, a longtime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion, a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Kennett Square County Club, and an almost founding member of the Italian-American Club in Kennett Square.

All those he touched will miss his comradeship and wit. He became an avid reader and until the very end, he enjoyed talking and challenging you about everything and anything, especially the Phillies, history and politics.

A funeral was held Oct. 19. Burial was in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org or P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. To share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

WILLIAM C. DUROSS William C. DuRoss (“Bill,” “Chub”), 74, of Wilmington, Del., died on Oct. 8 at St. Francis Hospital in Wilmington.

He was the husband of Margaret “Peg” Teague DuRoss, with whom he shared 35 years of marriage. Born in West Chester, he was the son of the late Joseph and the late Mary (Fanning) DuRoss. He served our country from November 1958 to February 1962 in the Army. He was a mechanic for over 40 years, working for Hagley Museum/DuPont and DelDOT/ State of Delaware, retiring in 2005. He was a longtime member of Holy Child Catholic Church and St. Patrick Church in Kennett Square. He owned a six-pound cannon and was a member of Brandywine Creek Gun Fighters. He enjoyed dancing, hunting, fishing and was a collector of old guns. He enjoyed playing the drums and listening to oldies. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, cookouts and holiday dinners.

Survivors include, in addition to his wife Peg, daughters Bernadette Miller (Paul), Lisa Ann Allen and her fiancé Jim McCraw of New Castle, Del.; twins sons, William Charles DuRoss, Jr., and John Joseph DuRoss, both of New Castle, Del.; five sisters, Peg Efta of New Castle, Mary Beale of New Castle, Ann Petty of North Carolina, and Edna Smith (John) of Pennsulvania; six grandchildren; stepchildren Paul Lozier, Sandra Johnson (Wally), Linda Markham (Tom); and a host of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son Michael, a brother Joseph, and three sisters, Francis, Catherine and Jean.

A funeral was held Oct. 15. Interment was in the St. Patrick Cemetery. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www. griecocares.com.

Alice DeCenzo Breast Cancer Survivor

THEY FOUND CANCER. I FOUND MY CALLING. When my doctor gave me the news that my breast cancer had come back, my care team at Chester County Hospital went into action. Surgery. Chemotherapy. Reconstruction.

Beating cancer a second time inspired me to help others. Now, I show women diagnosed with breast cancer how to use writing to help themselves heal. Because I believe every survivor’s story is worth Penn Medicine.

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CHESTER COUNTY HOSPITAL | 701 EAST MARSHALL STREET, WEST CHESTER | 610.431.5000

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

Six candidates are vying for three seats on Unionville-Chadds Ford School Board

By John Chambless Staff Writer Six candidates are running for three seats on the Unionville-Chadds Ford School Board, and the very close results in the primary point toward a close race leading up to Nov. 3.

The surprise resignation of board member Keith Knauss last week will add an unexpected wrinkle to the future composition of the board.

Republican incumbent board member Carolyn Daniels and newcomers Lorraine Ramunno and John P. Murphy are the Republican Party endorsed candidates.

Incumbent Democrats Kathleen Do and Gregg Lindner won the Democratic nomination, in tandem with their running mate, former Republican Party mainstay Beverly Brookes.

The Lindner-Do-Brookes website outlines their stance: “Our School Board should be balanced, with all ideas discussed and all sectors represented. Politics has no business in the governance of our schools. The quality of our schools must be protected and enhanced. We believe in responsible fiscal management, controlling spending and keeping the tax rate as low as possible while maintaining the high-quality education standards of the UCF School District. All employees should be treated with the highest levels of dignity and respect.”

Lindner and Do were

elected to the School Board in 2011. The website points out that, “Taxing rates over the past four years have been at historic lows while the building of necessary reserves has allowed for appropriate investments.

Bev shares their vision of a board where all members work together for the common good of students, employees, and the greater Unionville community.”

Among the talking points outlined on the site is a statement that, “We endorse legislation to eliminate the primary system for School Board Directors and have Pennsylvania School Directors elected directly during the November General Election without party identification. This would put Pennsylvania in line with 47 other states that administer only non-partisan elections for School Director positions.”

The site also points out, “In 2015, Kathy and Gregg, along with Mike Rock of Pocopson, were the only board members who stood up against the conservative forces on the board, speaking out in favor of a budget that allowed us to maintain the excellence of our schools while providing the flexibility to ensure that cuts will not become necessary. … They have worked successfully to enhance services, review and revise policies, and consider ways to improve the educational experience of our students; all while ensuring that there

are no undue burdens placed upon taxpayers.”

Brookes “has embraced this ideology and promises to consider each issue that comes before the board on it’s own merit, basing her decisions on what is in the best interest of our children and our community,” the site reads.

The web site for the Do, Lindner and Brookes campaign is http://ucffusion2015.com.

-The opposing candidates maintain a Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ Friends-of-Daniels-MurphyRamunno-for-SchoolBoard) that outlines their positions and backgrounds.

“It has been an honor to serve as your current school board director for the last two years,” Carolyn Daniels writes. “I am a strong advocate and representative for all children, parents and residents of the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District, with a longstanding commitment to our community and our schools. I am dedicated to school board transparency and efficiency and take everyone’s best interest into account before making decisions that will affect all of us.

“During my last two years on the board, I have served as the Chair of District Communications Committee and sub-chair for UCF Curriculum Committees, I am also a Key Communicator,

Courtesy photo

The UCF School Board (from left), superintendent John Sanville, and board members Michael Rock, Steve Simonson, Victor Dupuis, Robert Sage, Gregg Lindner, Keith Knauss, Kathleen Do, Jeff Hellrung and Carolyn Daniels.

Wellness Committee Member and Homework Committee Member and frequent attendee at the monthly meetings with our Superintendent, ‘Java with John,’ to get a good sense of concerns our community has with our schools. I have participated in principal and assistant principal searches and currently serve as the Chair for the PTO Advisory Board. The Advisory Board gives us the opportunity to meet with parent PTO leaders from all six schools to get a better idea of what concerns parents have in all our district schools and share solutions when issues arise.

“I am in my seventh year of Curriculum Council and one of the lead proponents for enacting a ‘Return to Learn Policy’ to help our students suffering from concussions ease back into their school social and

academic life,” Daniels writes. “I am a strong advocate against bullying, committed to bringing out the best in all of our students from their first day of school to graduation.”

John Murphy has lived in Pennsbury Township since 2005. All three of his children attend UnionvilleChadds Ford schools.

He was commissioned as a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officer and spent nine years on active duty with assignments around the world, including one as a platoon leader during Operation Desert Storm. Following military service, he joined MBNA America and was a Senior Vice President in the marketing division.

He later started his own small business providing marketing services to other small businesses. He is a volunteer and coach with

the Unionville Recreation Association, the Hillendale PTO, The Kennett Area YMCA and a prior board member of the Ministry of Caring Guild.

Lorraine Ramunno and her husband, Lawrence, have three children. The family moved to Pennsbury Township from North Wilmington in 2000 because of the reputation of the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District. She is an attorney in Media, practicing criminal defense, juvenile defense, family law, dependency cases and personal injury. She is an active parent volunteer with the UHS football team and “after devoting these past 18 years to raising her children and committing to her law practice, she is now ready to devote her time and skills and give back to the community,” the website states.

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

Presented by

Since 1968, the Southern Chester Southern ChesterofCounty County Chamber Commerce has Chamber OfOutstanding Commerce Citizen of presented the the Year award to deserving individuals:

Celebrating Community Service.

Leading The Way. Is there someone who comes to mind when you hear the words,

“Outstanding Citizen?”

Someone who signifies exemplary volunteer efforts, community service, vision, leadership and citizenship, and who positively influence the welfare of the Southern Chester County community.

If so, please consider nominating that person!

Outstanding Citizen Of The Year Past Recipients

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2015 Outstanding Citizen of the Year.

Submission Deadline: Friday, November 20, 2015 *Please complete and return the Nomination Submission below.

See & Be Seen

49th Annual Dinner & Outstanding Citizen of the Year Presentation

FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 2016

Longwood Gardens 1001 Longwood Road Kennett Square, Pennsylvania RECEPTION SPONSOR

49th ANNUAL DINNER Individual Ticket: $175.00 Event Sponsorships are Available. For additional information please Call the Chamber Office 610.444.0774

1968 *W. Robert Scott 1969 *J. Norman Connell 1970 *Sidney Hutton, Sr. 1971 *Mrs. Harold Cooper 1972 *Lewis D. Einstein 1973 *James Walker Brown 1974 *Richard T. Worrall 1975 *Gerald A. Albert 1976 *Dr. John A. Torello 1977 *Knowles R. Bowen 1978 *Dr. Leonard Kanofsky 1979 Rev. John L. Ferguson 1980 *Andre R. Goetz 1981 *Katherine B. Way 1982 *Malcolm “Bat” Burton 1983 *Alma D. Struble 1984 *William Buffington 1985 *Dorothea Cloud Morse 1986 *John “Tibby” Connell 1986 *Donald E. McKay 1987 *C. Mercer Sloan 1987 Carol Wendel 1988 Carol Merrick 1989 Barbara Cloud 1990 *Ruth Brown 1991 Aaron J. Martin 1992 Dr. Barry R. Kanofsky 1993 Sister Jane Houtman 1994 Charles S. Cramer, Sr. 1995 David L. Myers 1996 W. Thomas Musser 1997 Carol C. Berzon 1998 Donna L. Hood 1999 Linda Ingenthron 2000 Thomas C. Swett 2001 Mabel Thompson 2002 Tony Talamonti 2003 Michael Perna, Esq. 2004 *John W. Singer 2005 Kathleen Lafferty 2006 Doris Haley 2007 Eva Verplanck 2008 James T. Horn 2009 Michael R. Walker 2010 Janice Taylor 2011 Terence Farrell 2012 Stacie A. Kucera 2013 Ken Goddu 2014 Joan Holliday *Deceased

*NOMINATION SUBMISSION

Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce 2015 OUTSTANDING CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

SUBMIT IN CONFIDENCE TO:

PLEASE PRINT Nominee (full name) : Nomination submitted by : Name : Address : Email : Phone : Submission Date :

Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce Attn: Joan Holliday, Chairman, 2015 Outstanding Citizen of the Year Working Committee 217 State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348

Submission Deadline: Friday, November 20, 2015

To download the 2015 Nomination Submission and related documents, please visit www.scccc.com

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

Section

B

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Boyle-to-Nash TD strike seals Indian win over Great Valley

Late heroics lead to Unionville’s 21-18 victory

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer The Unionville team bus was conveniently parked directly behind the visiting grandstands at last Saturday’s Ches-Mont American division matchup between the Indians and Great Valley, and after a scoreless first half that featured three fumbles and one dropped pass in the end zone, there was great concern that the bus ride home later that afternoon would be one of pure agony.

But by game’s end, just moments after Pat Clark buried Great Valley’s last-second gasp at a Homecoming win by sacking Patriot quarterback Robert Geiss, the ride may have turned out to be the most enjoyable anyone on the Unionville team had ever had.

In one of the most memorable comebacks in recent Unionville football memory, the Indians came back from an 18-14 deficit with 2:33 remaining to beat Great Valley 21-18 on a 19-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Brendan Boyle to wide receiver Elan Nash with just 57 seconds left in the game.

Conversely, a game that concluded with incredible heroics began with unfortunate blunder.

Riding on the high of their Homecoming pomp and circumstance, Great Valley jumped on the board in the first quarter, when with 3:55 remaining, Geiss found wide receiver Ryan Hubley for a 25-yard completion.

Hit immediately after his completion, Hubley’s

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Unionville quarterback Brendan Boyle engineered a game-winning drive that led to a 21-18 victory over Great Valley on Oct. 17.

second effort found the end zone, completing a 15-play, 90-yard drive.

On the other side of the ball, Unionville was held to just two possessions in the first quarter, while in the second, Boyle fumbled away the ball on the 21-yard line with 10:33 remaining. After Great Valley’s next possession could not gain ground, Unionville punt returner Brandon Boon only briefly touched the ensuing punt, which was gathered in by Great Valley. With 3:17 remaining in the first half, Geiss’s pass attempt was

intercepted by Unionville’s Mark Knightly at midfield, but on its first play from scrimmage, Boon fumbled.

The Indians’ only serious scoring threat of the first half was thwarted with 54 seconds remaining in the first half when wide receiver Tyler Marmo seemed to have gathered in a ten-yard touchdown strike from Boyle, only to lose control of the ball in the corner of the end zone a second later.

The only image with more impact than the sight of Unionville players whooping it up on the

opposing team’s field at the end of the game was watching how the comeback all unfolded.

After Knightly’s second interception of the day gave Unionville the ball back early in the third quarter, Boyle tossed a perfect, 27-yard touchdown pass to Nash with 9:20 remaining in the quarter, which gave the Indians a 7-6 lead.

On Great Valley’s next possession, Geiss marched his team to midfield, only to have his pass attempt to Hubley picked off by Unionville linebacker Joe Zubillaga at midfield

and returned to the Great Valley 39-yard line, with 5:10 remaining in the third quarter. A 13-yard Boyle run moved the ball to the Great Valley 26-yard line, and after a Boyle carry got the ball to within a hair of the end zone, Boyle plunged in on the next play to give Unionville a 14-6 lead with 1:46 left in the quarter.

Great Valley, however, did not come into the game with a 5-1 record on illusion or smoke and mirrors, but on the wellproven effectiveness of the pass combination of Geiss

and Hubley. Facing fourthand-15 on the Unionville 37, Geiss found Hubley over the middle for a 37-yard touchdown with 10:15 left in the fourth quarter to make it a 14-12 game. A two-point attempt failed, but a few minutes later Great Valley used its key weapon once again when, with 5:48 left in the game, Geiss found Hubley for a 55-yard TD strike that gave the Patriots an 18-14 lead.

After a reckless first half, Boyle handled what turned out to be the winning Continued on Page 2B

Strong effort against Conestoga shows what kind of team Avon Grove can be

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer The Avon Grove field hockey didn’t come away with a win against Conestoga last Friday afternoon, but the strong

showing while taking on one of the area’s top teams still pleased head coach Sandy Leiti.

“I think we played well today,” Leiti said after Avon Grove fell 4-1 to Conestoga, a perennial

power, in a game that was closer than the final score would indicate. “We scored first and we held the lead.

Everybody gave it their all from start to finish, and I think that speaks volumes about what kind of team we

can be.”

Conestoga entered the game with 13 wins and just two losses on its ledger.

The losses came during an early-season 1-0 battle with Downingtown East and a 2-0 heartbreaker to Unionville.

But Avon Grove matched Conestoga’s intensity early on.

Leiti said that Avon Grove did a good job with connecting passes, and the players also hustled on defense.

Photo by Steven Hoffman

Avon Grove goalkeeper Sarah Fitzsimons hustles to make a play with her teammates helping out.

Avon Grove claimed a 1-0 lead when Ellie Grove scored midway through the first half.

Conestoga battled back with goals by Emma McGillis and Charlotte DeVries, and took a 2-1 lead into halftime.

Conestoga continued to build momentum offensively early in the second half, but Avon Grove goalkeeper Sarah Fitzsimons was up to the challenge, deflecting one nice shot and making a good save on another shot.

DeVries eventually added her second goal of the game, and then Kiley Allen scored a goal to make it 4-1.

Avon Grove continued to hustle on offense and defense, showing no quit until the final whistle. The team’s coach noticed the effort.

Avon Grove’s record now stands at 9-7 overall, and Leiti said that her team is on an upswing, which is a good sign with district playoffs quickly approaching. If Avon Grove earns a berth in districts, the team is coming together at just the right time.

Lexie Dixson has been one of the team’s Continued on Page 2B

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

Unionville

Continued from Page 1B

drive with cool mastery, alternating between rushing and passing. Inheriting the ball on the Unionville 21-yard line, Boyle (18116 in rushing) carried to his own 28-yard line, then found Clark for a 17-yard completion that got the ball near midfield with 2:15 left in the game. Two passes to Nash moved the ball to the Great Valley 37-yard line, and an 18-yard scramble

by Boyle got the ball to the 19-yard line, setting up Nash’s game-winner. Nash finished the day with five receptions for 102 yards and two touchdowns.

“We find different ways to win,” said Unionville Head Coach Pat Clark.

“We’re not perfect but I’ll tell you what. This team has fight and heart and character, and that’s what pulled it out today. At the end, our players made plays, whether it was Boyle or Nash or Boon. They left me speechless.”

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

The win jumped the Indians’ record to 5-2 overall and 3-0 in their division, which now places them atop the Ches-Mont American, heading into this Friday’s cross-town match-up against Kennett.

Looking past the Blue Devils, Unionville will finish their season with games against currently winless Octorara and a struggling Sun Valley

team – a potential of three additional wins which would give Unionville an 8-2 final record and great positioning in the District One playoffs.

Great Valley, now 5-2 overall and 2-2 in the ChesMont American, travels to Oxford (1-6) this Friday.

Avon Grove

Continued from Page 1B

consistently good players, and defensive standouts Megan Kuergas and Kaylee Hanway do a good job

of stopping the ball and clearing it out for the team.

Leiti said that Fitzsimons’ progress has also been important to the team.

“She has improved a

lot over the last year,” Leiti explained.

To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty. com.

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, e-mail rgaw@chestercounty.com.

Photo by Steven Hoffman

Caroline McCulley moves the ball upfield for Avon Grove.

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Unionville’s Pat Clark gets off a punt in the fourth quarter.

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Great Valley quarterback Robert Geiss found wide receiver Ryan Hubley for a go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter.

NOTICE to all Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce Members In accordance with Article IV Bylaws of the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce, there will be an annual meeting on Tuesday, December 8, 2015, at 8 a.m. at the Ware Presbyterian Village Chapel.

At this meeting, elections will take place to fill vacant board member positions, as well as the offices of President, 1st and 2nd Vice Presidents. Please contact the Chamber office if you have nominations.

Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce 38-A South Third Street • Oxford, PA 19363 Phone: 610-932-0740 Email: oxfordchamber@zoominternet.net

Photo by Steven Hoffman

Ellie Grove scored Avon Grove’s goal against Conestoga.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

Through Nov. 15 Halloween Critters The Brandywine River Museum of Art (Route 1, Chadds Ford) will sell fall and Halloween “Critter” ornaments for the first time through Nov. 15. The decorations are made from all natural materials gathered from the grounds of the museum and conservancy.

There are ghosts, goblins, witches, spiders, vampires, bats, turkeys, squirrels and owls ranging in price from $10 to $30, all benefiting the Museum Volunteers’ Art Purchase Fund, Art Education and Programming. They will be available in the museum gift shop, open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.brandywmuseum.org.

Oct. 21 Spaghetti dinner The Oxford Area Senior Center (12 E. Locust St., Oxford) will hold a takeout spaghetti dinner on Oct. 21. The menu will consist of spaghetti with meatballs, tossed salad with dressing, dinner roll and homemade dessert.

Dinners can be picked up between 3 and 6 p.m. for $7. Call 610-932-5244 to reserve dinners.

Oct. 22 to 24 Great Pumpkin Carve The Great Pumpkin Carve will be held Oct. 22 to 24 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Historical Society Visitor Center (1736 Creek Rd., Chadds Ford). On Thursday night, visitors can watch the artists as they carve the pumpkins.

The newly expanded Haunted Trail will have

ghosts, goblins and ghouls along with spooky Halloween sounds. There will be hayrides, live music, food and beverages along with selected arts and crafts. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for ages 7 to 17 (free for Historical Society members and with ages 6 and younger). Call 610-388-7376 or visit www.chaddsfordhistory. org.

Oct. 24 Chicken barbeque Russellville Grange 91, on Route 896 one block north of Route 10, will have a chicken barbeque on Oct. 24 from 3 p.m. until sold out. A meal with half a chicken, potato salad, pepper cabbage, applesauce, roll, butter, drinks, and dessert is $10.

A children’s meal is $6, Half a chicken only is $5.

Call 717-529-6114 for more information.

Oct. 25 Mason Porter concert The Friends Folk Club will host a concert by the traditional/bluegrass band Mason Porter on Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the Oxford Friends Meeting (260 S. 3rd St., Oxford). Doors open at 7 p.m. Proceeds from this concert will benefit the Oxford Friends Meetinghouse.

Tickets are $12 (children 12 and younger are free).

Refreshments will be sold.

Call 610- 593-7312 or visit www.masonporter.com.

Oct. 27 Halloween concert The Chester County Pops Orchestra will perform “Halloween Magic” at

Stetson Middle School (1060 Wilmington Pike, West Chester) on Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. Musical highlights will include Modest Mussorgsky’s “Night on Bald Mountain,” music from “Jurassic Park” by John Williams, “Casper’s Lullaby” by James Horner, music from “Psycho” by Bernard Hermann, and John Williams’ “Harry Potter Symphonic Suite.”

Children are encouraged to come in costume and will be invited to join in a costume parade while the orchestra performs for them. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, and free for all children and students. Tickets are available online and at the door. For more information, visit www. chescopops.org, or call 610-594-9178.

Nov. 7 Amelia’s Diabetes Dash Amelia’s Diabetes Dash will be held Nov. 7 at 11 a.m. in New Garden Park (299 Starr Rd., Landenberg). There will be food for sale and raffle items. Participants are asked to come and ride a bike, scooter, roller skate or walk around the park.

Donations are accepted for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Through Nov. 12 Children’s read-aloud tours Children can listen to a story, interact with art, and make their own creative works during readaloud tours on Thursday mornings through Nov. 12 at the Brandywine River Museum of Art (Route 1,

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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Courtesy photo

Kennett Square Halloween Parade will scare up some fun on Oct. 25 Zombies, princesses, ghosts, scarecrows, witches and more are needed for this year’s Kennett Square Halloween Parade on Oct. 25.

Join the fun by either marching in or watching this annual family event. The parade starts at 3 p.m. and runs along State Street from

Center Street to Broad Street.

Floats, troupes and individuals are invited to participate. Trophies are awarded for Funniest, Scariest, Best Kid, Best Adult, Best Performance, Best Group and Best Float. Parade applications are required. Forms are available on the Kennett

Square Halloween Parade Facebook page, or can be picked up at Kennett Glass.

All applications should be returned to Kennett Glass (112 W. State St., Kennett Square), by noon on Oct. 23. Parade participants will line up starting at 2 p.m. at Santander Bank on West Cypress Street.

Chadds Ford). Designed for children ages 3 to 6, accompanied by an adult, the program features a new theme each week. Oct. 22 – “Tap the Magic Tree”

by Christie Matheson; Oct. 29 – “Bats at the Library” by Brian Lies; Nov. 5 – “Shadow” by Marcia Brown; Nov. 12 – “The Day the Crayons Quit” by Drew Daywalt.

All programs start at 10:30 a.m. Registration is requested by calling 610-388-8382 or emailing education@brandywine. org. The program is $5

per child, with free admission for one accompanying adult per child (free for members and their children). For more information, visit brandywinemuseum.org.

walking tour spans 151 years of home building history in West Chester.

The homes date from 1836 to 1987. Tickets are on sale at the library (415 N. Church St., West Chester) or online at www.

WCPublicLibrary.org.

Dec. 5 Holiday Home Tour The fifth annual Holiday Home Tour to benefit the West Chester Public Library will take place on Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The tour will present 10 decorated homes in the northeastern section of West Chester. This

To submit items to the Calendar of Events, e-mail jchambless@ chestercounty.com.

There is no charge. Not every submission can be included. Items should be submitted at least two weeks before the event.

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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Oxford’s assistant superintendent reviews goals with school board

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer Dr. Margaret BillingsJones, the district’s assistant superintendent, offered a report to the Oxford School Board about some of the goals she has for the 20152016 school year during the Oct. 13 meeting.

Billings-Jones outlined four broad goals with several more specific objectives for each.

The first goal pertained to the continuity and consistency of effective communication between the K-12 administration,

faculty, and the district administration.

“This has been an ongoing goal of mine,” Billings-Jones said, explaining that one of the initiatives in this area is the newly established teacher effectiveness system utilizing the electronic teacher effectiveness evaluation PaETEP, Pennsylvania’s most widely used evaluation management system.

The second goal involves programming and curriculum development.

Billings-Jones explained that she is in the process

of overseeing the implementation of the new curriculum and materials for Math in Focus.

The district is developing a plan for its career and college counseling program, and district officials will be reviewing the effectiveness of the English Language Arts K-12 curriculum materials. Billings-Jones will assist the building level administrators in assuring that the quality of the English Language Arts and Math in Focus programs are maintained. BillingsJones will also complete a review, by a leading

Oxford Rotary Club to hold Benefit Night

The Rotary Club of Oxford will hold its fourth annual Benefit Night on Oct. 24 from 7 to 11 p.m. in The Pavilion at Ware Presbyterian Village (7 E. Locust St., Oxford).

The evening will feature table games including blackjack, craps and roulette (attendees exchange casino chips for prizes), simulcast horse racing fun and a cornhole competition. Live music will be provided by musical impressionist Dean, who performs as Dean Martin, Johnny Cash, Elvis and others.

A silent auction will feature items from area businesses and organizations.

Finger foods will be served and a cash bar will be available. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.

Order tickets by email at

Courtesy photo

The Rotary Club of Oxford will hold its fourth annual Benefit Night on Oct. 24. From left are Oxford Library director Carey Bresler, Dr. Tonya Nowell-Neville of Keystone Animal Hospital, an event sponsor, with Zoe; Benefit Night co-chair Doug Compher and club member Dr. Ray Fischer.

oxcasinonight@gmail.com or by calling 610-960-5906.

Tickets can also be purchased from any Oxford Rotary Club member.

Proceeds will benefit Family Promise of Southern Chester County,

which serves area homeless people, and a new inclusive playground in Oxford Memorial Park.

Guests are asked to bring books in good condition for donation to benefit the Oxford Library.

a committee of health and physical educationcertified professionals, of the health and physical education curriculum. She will also make informed recommendations to the district about how to align the district science program with the state requirements.

The third goal is to continue to participate in community outreach through a variety of activities, ranging from participation in Oxford’s First Friday events to attendance at community functions that support Oxford students to taking

part in the district’s Wellness Fair.

The fourth goal pertained to staffing and assuring that the district has the most highly qualified teachers possible.

Billings-Jones concluded her report by noting that she will continue her work on the programming for federal programs, including Title I and Title III initiatives.

“It looks like you will be very busy,” commented school board member Howard Robinson after the report.

Billings-Jones joined

the district in 2013 as the assistant to the superintendent. In 2014, she agreed to a contract extension to serve as the district’s assistant superintendent.

That contract extends from July 1, 2014 through July 30, 2018.

The Oxford School Board has meetings next month on Tuesday, Nov. 17 and Tuesday, Nov. 24. Both meetings take place at 7 p.m. in the Administration Building.

To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.

Fright Feast returns on Oct. 24 The Kennett Square Lions Club Morning Branch will be presenting the sixth annual Fright Feast on Oct. 24, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at Northbrook Marketplace.

The Fright Feast is a Halloween-themed evening of food and fun to raise funds for worthy causes and organizations. This year, the event will be raising funds for The Adult Literacy Program, an organization that provides free English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction to community adults; Camp Dreamcatcher, an organization that provides free therapeutic and educational services to HIV/AIDS-impacted youth; and Lions sight-related charities.

You can help in many ways: Be a sponsor; buy raffle tickets for a Casket of Spirits brimming with wines and liquors, or a Cauldron of Cold Ones (assorted craft beers).

Tickets can be purchased by calling 610-925-2998 or

Courtesy photo

Fright Feast is always a fun event for good causes. The sixth annual event takes place on Saturday, Oct. 24.

Courtesy photo

Win a Casket of Spirits brimming with your favorite wines and liquors at this year’s Fright Feast.

emailing Patty Hillkirk at campdreamcatcher@kennett. net; join the festivities on Oct. 24. Included are light foods, wine and beer, silent auction and raffle items, tarot card

readings, a costume contest with prizes, and music.

Tickets are $50.

Visit www.bayardtaylor.org or www.campdreamcatcher. org.

6B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

Behind the scenes at Camp Spookynaw

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer In its second year, Camp Spookynaw has doubled down on the frights – and the fun.

Visitors to the haunted camp in Oxford will enjoy a trio of terrifying new attractions this year: The Wizards and Witches Tour that includes ten buildings of scary fun; Beneath Cabin 13, a nightmarish maze that celebrates some classic elements of the

horror genre; and the Shriek of the Scarecrow Hayride, a harrowing journey through the camp’s horrifying woods.

Everyone knows that a rule for horror movies is that the sequel always has to top the original when it comes to terror, and the creative team behind Camp Spookynaw has certainly pushed the eerie envelope for the second year, while carefully maintaining a fun-for-all-ages atmosphere.

“We have significantly

Photo by Steven Hoffman

In addition to portraying Riddles Conundrum, professional actor Keith Moyer works with the other staff members. Moyer said that the high production values help set Camp Spookynaw apart.

Photo by Steven Hoffman

Laura Lynn Cottrel, one of the lead actresses at Camp Spookynaw, with her son, Tyler Ollis, as they were starting to get ready for the Oct. 16 performance.

expanded the attractions,” explained Mike Petkov, whose family has owned and operated Camp Saginaw since the mid-1980s. “The reviews have been phenomenal.”

Indeed, Camp Spookynaw is already creeping up the on the lists of the Philadelphia area’s scariest Halloween haunts thanks to this year’s frighteningly fun attractions.

Mark Moyer, who partners with the Petkov family and was a driving creative force behind the creation of Camp Spookynaw in 2014, explained that the team did a lot of research between year one and year two to develop a concept that effectively utilizes the camp’s setting in the storyline.

As Kris Dumont, one of the actors explained, “With the Halloween haunts, you have to change it up to keep it exciting. It makes people want to come back.”

Everyone is impressed by the imagination and talents of the design team that put together this year’s attractions.

Chris Clark is part of the design team. “I love designing the set pieces and working with the team,” he explained.

As visitors learned last year at Camp Spookynaw, everyone is afraid during their first night in camp, and that’s especially true this year for anyone who dares to venture through the Beneath Cabin 13 maze. The theme of Beneath Cabin 13 is that campers have had their dreams taken away, and the maze is filled with nightmarish images, including severed limbs, skeletons, and an animatronic tree beast.

Dumont explained that the creative team worked hard to make Beneath Cabin 13 a frightening feast for the

senses—in addition to the nightmarish images, there are spooky sound effects that disorient the visitors. Even the textures of the macabre displays have been carefully planned to disorient visitors.

There are always live actors popping out to scare the unsuspecting visitors.

“Our new actors are great,” explained Dumont.

According to Keith Moyer, one of the lead actors at Camp Spookynaw, what stands out about the haunt are the high production values and the quality of the acting. Moyer himself is a professional actor and a producer, and he has had roles in “The Wire,” “Enchanted,” and “Invincible.”

“We have a few professional actors from film and television here,” the West Chester native explained. “We have someone here involved with television production.”

There are approximately 60 staff members who perform as part of the experience at Camp Spookynaw, and many of the actors and actresses come up with fun backstories for their characters. Moyer is one of the people who helps the other cast members with their performances. He also portrays Riddles Conundrum, a character that he describes as Monty Python meets the “Game of Thrones.”

Laura Lynn Cottrel is one of the lead actresses at Camp Spookynaw. The West Chester, Pa. native is a professional actress who has worked on television and in film. She earned her Screen Actors Guild card for a role as a cheerleader in “The Replacements.” One of her responsibilities is to help some of the cast members with their

Photo by Steven Hoffman

Cast members work hard on the appearances of their characters.

roles. When she’s not helping the other cast members, Cottrel plays “Seraphim,” a bipolar vampire who is always nice to children, but not quite as nice to adults.

Her character illustrates how Camp Spookynaw blends frights with fun. The goal is to offer enough scares to satisfy those who want to be terrified, but to also keep it fun and entertaining for children.

Cottrel’s son, Tyler Ollis, plays one of the more unusual characters at Camp Spookynaw. He disguises himself as a bush and hides in the middle of real bushes, waiting for the perfect moment to jump out at unsuspecting visitors as they walk by.

“He’s one of our top scarers,” explained Cottrel proudly.

The cast members say that they love performing for the visitors, and many are like Dominic Pirocchi or Aaron Guthrie, who both said that they love Halloween and scary things. Guthrie portrayed a man working in the boiler room in Beneath Cabin 13.

“We get tons of scares,” Guthrie explained. “It’s a scary maze to walk through.”

Tyler Johnston, a resident of Oxford, said that his favorite

new attraction is Beneath Cabin 13. He plays a mental patient in the infirmary.

Yasmin Koudstaal portrays Patricia, a young woman who met with misfortune in the infirmary. She said that her favorite part of working at Camp Spookynaw is performing alongside friends.

The Wizards and Witches Tour offers ten buildings of scary fun on the sprawling camp.

Guests who take part in a 15-minute harrowing hayride will see everything from a werewolf to a witch to a haunted bride to an area full of zombies.

Rugarth, the enchanted and mysterious dragon that was the star of Camp Spookynaw’s debut season plays an important role this year, too.

Camp Spookynaw is open from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October. Camp Spookynaw is located at 740 Saginaw Road in Oxford.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www. campspookynaw.com or call 610-553-6000.

To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

7B

Kennett Square artists spotlighted at Arts Alliance

By John Chambless Staff Writer

and “Heart,” as well as a jagged tower of fused metal pieces, “She’s Come Undone.”

Galer’s paintings – a series of trees in various lights -make a nice grouping. The sense of space and the forest floor in “Evening Light” are particularly well done.

Carol Lesher’s five oil paintings of autumn fields are warm and inviting.

Among the smaller works, Susan B. Myers’ “Frozen Stream” is sparingly done and just right.

There are two stately still lifes by Dorothy Boxler, “Quail Eggs” and “Breakfast in Blue,” and three large

There are some nice surprises in the Oxford Arts Alliance’s new show, “Kennett Artists in Oxford,” beginning with some monumental sculptures.

Lele Galer, best known for her paintings, shows the huge “Steel Heart,” a dazzling, room-filling statement whose jagged steel bands must have been an injury-producing nightmare to work with. Ragged yet right, it’s a standout piece.

Galer shows several smaller but satisfying pedestal sculptures, “Mended Heart”

abstract mixed-media pieces

by Katee Boyle that anchor the end of the gallery.

Sarah Yeoman’s watercolor “Here and There” captures the motion of birds in flight, and her “Walking in This World” is a beautiful view of tangled trees and reflecting water that hovers just on the edge of abstraction.

Frank DePietro shows a wonderful triptych, “Yellow Leaves,” that pops off the wall with clarity and

glowing sunlight. Peter Willard has an intriguing split personality in the show, with some fine paintings of woodlands and marsh, as well as three graffiti-like paintings of cartoonish, grimacing dogs that have captivating expressions – somewhere between grumpy and anxious.

Metal sculptor David Beck is one of the exhibit’s stars, with his masterfully constructed “Reciprocation,” an industrial-looking

pedestal sculpture that has a mirror-image effect; and “5 O’Clock,” which has a looming presence in the middle of the gallery floor. It looks like a clock from some ancient civilization, and although it’s metal, it looks like it’s hewn out of a log.

Overall, the show introduces some fresh names and striking works to Oxford, and it’s well worth a visit before the show closes

on Nov. 13.

Gallery hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The gallery is at 38 S. Third St., Oxford. Visit www.oxfordart.org for more information.

To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@chestercounty. com.

Three abstract works by Katee Boyle.

‘Steel Heart’ by Lele Galer.

‘Kool Dog’ by Peter Willard.

‘Horse Farm’ by Carol Lesher.

‘Walking in This World’ by Sarah Yeoman.

‘Yellow Leaves’ by Frank DiPietro.

2015 Fall

Antiques Show Sponsored by Singerly Fire Co. Featuring 30 dealers from 4 states

Saturday, Oct. 24th- 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 25th- 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The metal sculpture ‘5 O’Clock’ by David Beck.

Singerly Banquet Hall 200 Newark Ave., Elkton, MD 21921 (Route 279 at Rt. 213) Admission: $3 (or $2 with this ad)

NOTICE

OXFORD BOROUGH RESIDENTS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public meeting will be held to discuss the Parking Management Study at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 Oxford Senior Center, 12 East Locust Street, Oxford, Pennsylvania.

The purpose of this meeting is to inform and hear public comment about Parking Management ideas in Oxford Borough.

If you are a person with a disability and wish to attend the meeting and require an auxiliary aid, service or other accommodations to observe or participate in the proceedings, please contact the Borough Manager to discuss how your needs may best be accommodated.

By:

Beatrice V. Brantner Borough Manager

‘Breakfast in Blue’ by Dorothy Boxler.

8B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

9B

10B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

Family Promise schedules open house celebration for Oct. 22 The community is invited to the event Family Promise of Southern Chester County is holding an open house at the new Resource Center on Thursday, October 22 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Center is located at 105 West Evergreen Street in West Grove.

Attendees will have an opportunity to tour the facility, visit with the Board and staff and celebrate the work of hundreds of dedicated volunteers from churches, service clubs and businesses who have completely renovated the Family Promise Resource Center in recent months.

“I am very excited to celebrate the opening of our Resource Center, said

Susan Minarchi, Executive Director. “We are grateful to Assumption Blessed Virgin Mary Church in West Grove, for providing this space which is ideally suited to achieving our mission.

We are looking forward to working with the hundreds of volunteers in our host and support congregations. I hope residents, volunteers and church members throughout southern Chester County will join us to celebrate our new facilities and see what we’re all about.”

Family Promise of Southern Chester County is committed to helping children and their families who are experiencing homelessness in the Oxford,

Avon Grove, Kennett Consolidated, and UnionvilleChadds Ford School Districts.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education reported there were 494 school age children in Southern Chester County impacted by homelessness during the 2013-2014 school year.

A sharp increase from the previous year, coupled with the lack of available shelters in southern Chester County, prompted the formation of an area Task Force on Homelessness to address this critical problem. The Task Force, which included community leaders, agencies and churches, determined the Family Promise model used

by 189 affiliates around the country provided an ideal solution to alleviating family homelessness in our area.

Family Promise of Southern Chester County is part of a national, non-profit initiative founded in 1986 that currently has operations in 43 states.

There are 13 affiliates located throughout Pennsylvania with three more in the process of opening.

The mission of the Family Promise program is to help children and their families achieve lasting self-sufficiency and stability by providing meals and shelter through a network of volunteers at church congregations until sustainable housing is found.

The national average for families achieving success in

Fall 2015 Admissions Events

Courtesy photo

the program is 63 days and 80 percent of the families are successful in maintaining sustainability after a year.

The families will stay at a host church facility for dinner, fellowship and overnight sleeping accommodations.

After being served a morning breakfast, families will then travel back to the Family Promise Resource Center where they will work with a Case Manager to find employment, affordable housing, and other needed social services.

School children will be picked up at the Resource Center by their schools so that they are able to maintain educational continuity.

The program will accept 4 families or 14 people at any one time. There are currently 11 Host Congregations and 13 Support Congregations committed to participating in the Family Promise program in southern Chester County.

The goal is to have a full network of 13 Host Congregations so each

congregation will host only four weeks per year, once every calendar quarter. The Host Congregations will be supported by Support Congregations who do not have large enough facilities to accommodate families.

“Many generous people have worked long and hard for this moment by making donations of time, effort, money, and in-kind materials and services.

It was really amazing to see the entire community come together to work toward satisfying this critical need,” said Dave Haradon, President of the Board of Directors of Family Promise of Southern Chester County. “Opening and sharing the Resource Center is an important milestone toward achieving our mission to alleviate homelessness in Southern Chester County.”

To volunteer, make a donation, or provide services, please contact Family Promise of Southern Chester County by calling 610-345-1100 or by email to susan.minarchi@ gmail.com.

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

11B

ATTENTION EAST NOTTINGHAM TOWNSHIP VOTERS Recently the Coalition for the Advancement of Freedom came out with some comments on Facebook and in an email regarding the Open Space Referendum that will be on the ballot for East Nottingham Township voters this November 3rd. It has limited information and appeared to me its purpose was to incite anger about a tax that, in their opinion, is unnecessary.

This will most certainly get the low informational voter to vote against a tool to maintain our quality of life in the Oxford area.

I’ve worked for the Township for eleven years and I think I have a pretty good handle on what is

going on in the area. It is my job to know. I’m asking you to look at the facts about the open space referendum with fresh eyes. Think long and hard before you vote to eliminate this very useful tool. Look at the numbers and see if they make sense. Ask questions on both sides. But keep an open mind.

collected the township spends $1.08 supporting residential properties and $0.03 supporting farms.

Do the math, which is less expensive to support?

• Oxford Area school taxes have increased from $5.5 Million to $13.5 Million between 2002 and 2013 due mostly to the increase in There are approximate- houses. ly 2000 acres of farms that could be preserved. • If you vote “Yes” on This tax would be in November 3rd, you are effect long enough to get not automatically voting these farms preserved for a ½ of one percent when available. When earned income tax. You there are no farms avail- are just voting to keepable to preserve then the ing a tool available tax rate can be set at 0%. to use when there are opportunities to preserve Here are some facts: farms, create recreational parks, or save historical • A 2013 study property. by the Brandywine • The Board cannot Conservancy shows simply raise or lower this that for every tax dollar tax at will. It requires an

ordinance which requires a public hearing where you, the residents, can come and express your opinions.

• The Open Space Earned Income Tax is temporary and only paid by those employed.

Property taxes are paid by everyone and increas• If you vote “No” you ing property taxes hurts will be taking away the our senior citizens. only tool that the Board currently has for future • All Farmers, both recreational parks for English and Amish, pay our children. The ref- taxes. If anyone tells erendum is not just for you different they are flat farms!The Board cannot out lying. simply raise or lower this tax at will. It requires an • If the referendum ordinance which requires fails, then it cannot be a public hearing where up for a vote again for 5 you, the residents, can years. Time enough for come and express your developers to come in opinions. and build houses on all the land we have left to • The open space preserve. tax has been 0% since November 2014. Before As residents and votthat it was 1/8 of one ers in East Nottingham, percent. The vote this there is another thing November is just to keep you should considthis tool available, not to er. Where do you go make the tax ½ of one to get your fresh produce? Giant? Redners? percent.

Acme? Or do you go to the produce stands on Little Elk Creek Road, Crowl Toot Road, Barnsley Road, Forge Road, and Waterway Road? We have our own little ecosystem here that is self sustaining. Why did you move here?

Think about that.

Let me put it in terms I think we can all relate to. Would you rather pay $1/ day for 5 years (Open Space Tax) or $5000/ year in increased property taxes for the rest of your life? This is the best tool we have for preserving our way of life. Don’t blow it. Vote “Yes” on November 3rd.

PJ Scheese Resident of East Nottingham

We, the members of Greener East Nottingham PAC (GEN) would like to address the Open Space Issue as incorrectly presented on FaceBook and Emails from the Coalition for Advancing Freedom.

Over the past few days, people, mostly from outside of our community, have chosen to stick their noses into East Nottingham Township (ENT) issues. This is OK. Free speech is good, but free lies are not. Representatives of the Coalition for the Advancement of Freedom (CAF) like CAF leader Jane Ladley and Jane E. Brown are disseminating falsehoods about open space in ENT and Chester County. They did the exact same thing to the people of Franklin Township.

See http://lfg.live. mediaspanonline. com/assets/6408568/ A06LFWE-052111_1. pdf in 2011.

Now the Avon Grove School District is discussing building a $129,000,000.00 new school, and there is a chance the Avon Grove Charter School could close putting more pressure on the Avon Grove School District as well as bringing almost 400 students back to the Oxford Area School District. Would this have happened if Franklin Township had an Open Space Program? We’ll never know thanks to CAF. Check it out: http:// www.avongrovetaxpayers.org/ This same group of people, under the CAF leadership of Jane Ladley and Jane E. Brown are again spreading the falsehoods of Open Space here in ENT. It is the express intention of this article and GEN to dispel those lies.

Lie: “vote on any

future tax increases for open spaces and will prevent the Board from implementing this tax unilaterally.”

Fact: For any Board to increase taxes would require at least an ordinance and a public hearing. To make the point, the voters of East Nottingham Township voted for the Open Space referendum in 2004. Public hearings and new ordinances were required when the ENT Board lowered the tax rate twice.

Lie: “the board of supervisors can vote to impose a tax without voter approval.”

Fact: The Board of Supervisors of a second class township in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania only has the authority to tax property, ½ a percent of earned income, and a per capita tax. An Open Space Tax can be imposed but only if passed by referendum as was done in 2004. Read the Second Class Township Code.

Just so the voters of ENT know, the current property tax in ENT is 0%.

The current per capita tax is $0.00.

Lie: “ENT residents, demand to get a list of whom, what, and where, we spent our 14 million so far.”

Fact: ENT never spent $14 million on open space. The exact amount is available on the ENT web site. $5,907,434.99 has been spent as of 2012 preserving 963.46 acres.

The CAF controlled ENT Board chose to not preserve farms since then and they lowered the Tax to 0%! Isn’t that the same as eliminating it?

Anyone can file a right to know request to find out all the farms that have been preserved to date.

Lie: “simple zoning changes can often prevent development of open spaces” Fact: This was tried over 10 years ago when the ENT board proposed 25 acre zoning. What happened?

Several farmers in the township submitted development plans to the Planning Commission so they would be grandfathered in under the old zoning.

Some of these plans are still on the books. This was the start of the development in ENT. CAF Leader Jane Ladley and John P. Coldiron never did anything to change zoning in the 4 and 6 years respectively they have been on the board.

Lie: “The open space initiative has had zero effect on the number of homes built.”

Fact: The Tigue family got tired of waiting to develop their property. As a matter of fact one family member died while waiting. The remainder of the family approached the county to preserve their farm. It was better to get something rather than nothing. This prevented 168 homes from being built in our school district.

This saved the school district a $ 2,352,000.00 shortfall.

That’s a pretty big zero effect.

Lie: “Farmers do not pay property taxes” Fact: “The Amish pay the same millage rate in school taxes as everyone else does. The difference is that they educate their children privately therefore they do not drive school taxes up since they do not send their children to public schools” This is a direct quote from Denise Rugen who happens to have an excellent grasp on this issue. All farmers pay property

taxes. If anyone tells As of now, there are you differently, they are 2000 acres of farm land that could be preserved. lying to you.

These farms cannot be The Oxford Area Sewer preserved unless the Authority dedicated their owners agree to the presSome may new 1.2 million gallon ervation. never be preserved.

It is per day treatment plant last week. This will allow up to the owners, not the even further development township. But if we elimin the school district area. inate the tool to preserve Preventing land to be these farms by voting used for developers is the “NO” on November 3rd, only option we have as a what may happen? These community to curb ram- farms could be sold to developers. This means pant development. there could be as many To understand the as 1800 new homes built. issue, follow this That means 3600 new very simple example. students into our school Developer Jones builds district. In reviewing this a subdivision. Mr. & possibility with David Mrs. Robertson buy this Woods, Superintendent brand new 2800 square of the OASD, he indifoot Colonial Home on cated that many of our 1 acre. They happen schools would require to have 2 children that expansion and a new will go to school in the school would need to be Oxford Area School built. These events will District (OASD). Mr. more than double you and Mrs. Robertson get property taxes over the their first school dis- next few years. trict property tax bill the next July. The bill If this referendum fails is for approximate- and you don’t have a socly $6000.00. It costs cer field, a field hockey the OASD $20,000.00 field, a lacrosse field or to educate Jane and softball field for your Bobby Robertson. But child to play on, you can who makes up for the thank CAF leader Jane $14,000.00 difference? Ladley, John P. Coldiron Everyone else who lives and Joe Raffa for killing in the school district! open space. They voted This is the point that the to put this referendum on people who oppose Open the ballot again.

Space don’t understand.

Every time a home is If someone comes to built, school property your door or sends you taxes have to go up for an email about open everyone. space, do your homework! Trust but verify.

If you think com- The Open Space Tax is mercial and industrial very small in comparison development will solve to what your property this problem you are taxes could be. Think wrong. The tax revenue of it this way. You can generated from the new pay $1.00 a day to preWal-Mart went to cover serve those 2000 acres the cost of the teacher for the next 5 years and contract the year they it’s over. Or you can pay opened.

This means every increasing school you would need to build district property taxes to a Wal-Mart every year the school district forever forever just to cover the to support the 3600 stufixed cost increases of dents because you didn’t the school district. preserve those farms.

PAID FOR BY GREENER EAST NOTTINGHAM

The Open Space Earned Income Tax is paid only by people who have an earned income. Not senior citizens. School district property taxes are paid by everyone, including your retired parents, grandparent, aunts and uncles.

You may not live in East Nottingham, but if you live in the Oxford Area School District you have skin in this game. Someone has to make up the short fall for those potentially new 3600 students.

Guess who? If you have friends, or relatives that live in East Nottingham, make sure they know about this issue.

It may make the difference whether they live here in retirement or have to sell and move away.

Will this ever end?

Yes, but only 1 of 2 ways. Once the OASD is completely built out and there are no farms left, tax increases due to population increase will come to an end.

Of course the Oxford area will look like Delaware County does now. This is an option but in our opinion, not the option we want.

The other choice is to collect a reasonable earned income tax for the next few years as needed and preserve these farms. Once all the farm owners who want their farms preserved are preserved, than the tax goes away and we retain our way of life.

On November 3rd, the choice on how this will all end will be yours.

Greener East Nottingham

12B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015